Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

As the Kevin Critchley Outfit they were brutally good, interesting and gave one excellent show after another As The Fifth Movement, the same burning desire to bring out some of the most interesting music still rings true, however there seems to be an edge, a sympathetic ruthlessness, that pervades across the E.P., A Roll of the Dice, which just is outstandingly clever and musically satisfying.

The Fifth Movement comprises Kevin Critchley, Luke Moore, Josie Forsey, Alex Williams and Graeme Runeckles and every part of this band, from the strings arranged by Luke Moore through to Kevin Critchley’s superb meloncholic vocal accomplishment to the unexpected addition of Greta Svabo Bach and Christoph Demetriou as special guests which gives the E.P. a timeless quality.

It is this quality that suits the theme of the songs perfectly. As soon as the opening track, White Rabbit, kicks in, the listener is transported with sublime skill to the thought of the world of film and more appropriately to the strangely familiar world of James Bond and the imagery of post-war Film Noir. It is a thought that the band is quite willing to delve into and the allusion is never far from the listener’s mind.

Whilst in no way trying to equate the songs of a fine young Liverpool band to the international stage, it is hard to ignore the comparisons and excellence that has gone into the E.P. because of it. The opening track White Rabbit is a great track and without the other three on there would be considered good enough to grace any C.D. The fact that it joined by three other songs which sit well above the average stocking fillers offered by some bands up and down the country is a huge bonus.

A worthy set of songs to introduce The Fifth Movement to a wider market, appealing and riddled with musical notes others would shy away from. This is quality indeed from a very special band.

Ian D. Hall