Fiona Skelly, part of The Sundowners. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

If you only remember one thing about 2012, consider this for as long as it takes, that the music of Liverpool has once again become a powerhouse, a powder keg of new bands that have come along and reminded music lovers of the city that there is much talent out there ready to be heard. Add to this the phenomenal and unbelievable aptitude that lies at the heart of The Sundowners.

Inspiring guitars, great rhythm and fronted by two women who will leave you speechless in your appreciation of their music and utter joy as you realise that this is a young band, like Hoag’s Object and The Endings for example that are surely destined for the very top.

Fiona Skelly and Niamh Rowe are the two aforementioned women whose talent transcends the very ordinary and who on stage are jaw dropping and utterly superb. They are joined by some great musicianship by Alfie Skelly on lead guitar, Tim Cunningham on bass and Jim Sharrock on drums.  With a heady mix of music that is reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks mixed with the heady west coast of America sound that came through on bands such as The Bangles and  the Mamas and Papas but with an edge that makes them undeniably striking and captivating to watch.

The five members of the band opened up their set with the songs Hummingbird and No Going Back. From the very start of their set, The Sundowners proved their mettle and their worth was further enhanced by songs such as Sea of Tears, an absolute brilliant track in Wild One and the charismatic Roll the Dice. This was a set that thrilled the heart and rocked the soul. In Ms. Skelly and Ms. Rowe, the Sundowners have two women already at the top of their game and it shouldn’t come as any surprise when witnessing the extravaganza unfolding up before the assembled crowd.

The tantalising music, the iridescent Fiona Skelly played like a dream alongside the rest of the band and Niamh Row has the ability of Heart’s Nancy Wilson, there can be no greater honour.

Remember the name The Sundowners; they are going to be big in 2013 if they keep performing like this.

Ian D. Hall