Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Just under two weeks after releasing what is already a compelling contender for album of the year and Robert Vincent is a welcome surprise for those attending the first gig by Parlour Flames at The Epstein Theatre as he comes on stage to present five of the songs from his debut album.

It certainly was the type of gig that Robert Vincent thrives in, it’s personable, light and with just the right audience that will listen intently to what he has to say and with Robert’s lyrics, he really has a lot to say.

The opening track of the evening was the superb Light the Stars and it was quickly followed by the very cool Burns (Like Cotton in the Fields.) Robert certainly seems happiest when he is able to really let go, to project his voice through an auditorium and set minds thinking. No matter the venue it seems, whether in the close comfort of the Unity Theatre, the enigmatic surroundings of the upstairs of Leaf on Bold Street or the grandeur of the Epstein Theatre, Mr. Vincent will take on all comers and give a great account of himself and the music he has created.

Joined on stage by Michael Gay on guitar, Robert performed the title track of the new album, the brilliant Life in Easy Steps to great applause before finishing a very quick but powerful set with the tracks Riots Cry and the sensational Demons.

It might have been a very quick set but the numbers that Robert and Michael performed were much appreciated by the crowd and it certainly seems that Robert Vincent’s name is being further enhanced round the city and beyond.

Ian D. Hall