photograph by Ian D. Hall
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
When the Wicked Whispers play their music on stage, the most advisable thing to do is stand back, close your eyes and wallow in the excellent atmosphere and dream of more halcyon days.
One of the most unique bands to have come from the Liverpool area, the Wicked Whispers, have just finished a tour that has taken in London and Newcastle and now the group have come back home to show just exactly why the word is spreading beyond the confines of the home of popular music.
Michael Murphy and the band opened up their set with the expansive and exciting Odyssey Mile and the enchanting Medussa, two songs that really set the band up as a group that should be taken to people’s hearts and revelled in. With some great vocals emanating from Mr. Murphy’s unique musical Merseyside perspective being coupled with the distinctive sound that the band provide, there is ample room for the audience to feel part of a heritage that has been missing since the days of the Psychedelic renaissance.
There are very few places that conjure up so many disparate and interesting groups as Liverpool and it is testament to the city that it’s music lovers take them all in their stride and enjoy them fully for what they are, fantastic groups with good quality music to stride alongside it. The Wicked Whispers have become entrenched in this tradition and songs such as Poison Sky, the very enjoyable Flying Round in Circles and the previous single, Dandelion Eyes only confirmed this to a very appreciate audience.
It is part of the genetic make-up of music fans that they will travel to catch a band in their home town but it shows the depth of feeling that the Wicked Whispers are garnering that it was evident to hear the distinctive tones of people in the crowd from as far away as Birmingham that had come just to hear the band perform.
The group finished off what had been an absolute barnstorming night of music with songs such as Amanda Lavender, the superb Chronological Astronaut and Nightbird. This was a perfect end to a great night of music at the o2 Academy.
Ian D. Hall