Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
From the depths of the passing of Liverpool’s Sheerwater, Fallen Streams resurfaces. The band, which contains Mark Dawson on vocals and guitars and the superb Jack Beacall on keyboards have taken off where the previous named incarnation left off and whilst for less discerning types they may struggle with the difference and ask what does it matter what they are called, the difference is they have become even better, an improvement if that was ever possible and the name change? Well that only matters in the overall scheme of things, otherwise they still have the same fantastic attitude that first got them that all important attention in 2011.
The marked difference is that now they have a debut album, the astonishing Lookin’ Up, and its sound is biting, attention grabbing from the word go and a great way to spend an hour. The tracks that the threesome have put together are gripping, a real nod to the likes of the Alarm, The Small Faces and the writing attitude of Steve Winwood whilst retaining a real presence of 21st century anger and laidback charm. This mix of both worlds, the nod to the great bands that Britain has proudly boasted as some of the reasons why its music is second to none and the burning irritation that has been slowly but surely building up over the years is stamped all over it.
The album kicks off with ‘Til The Sun Comes Out and its resounding stomping sound slowly builds and gives the listener a real boost before the mood kicks in and the songs Lady Rose and Watch Your Back give the listener an early furore into what they should be expecting from this talented band. The beauty of Lady Rose is a perfect dichotomy to the furiousness that turns and shakes a fist in the face of dissenters and doubters. The album may be all Jack Beacall and Mark Dawson but they would be amongst the first to acknowledge the contributions that Tom Carroll, Tony Mac and Martyn Campbell have made towards the inclusive and brilliant sound.
The album overall is one that sits well within the current creative Liverpool music scene, a real gem for the listeners and it is with a certain amount of kudos for the three players that they have produced this rather fine recording.
Ian D. Hall