Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
George Harrison understood the heartache behind it, so much so he gave his solo album the title All Things Must Pass, that feeling and despairing knowledge that something has come to a natural finish, no matter how much people might clamour for it not to be true. For The Endings, the run was superb, a Liverpool band with a very big heart at its core, some great and incredible sounds and above all a belief that what they were doing was just another step in a long journey.
With The Endings calling it a day at their final gig together at the 02 Academy, the thoughts will undoubtedly turn to the future of the musicians within the quartet. Thankfully there is a future and the reason for the finishing of a great young Liverpool band is not down to any internal differences just the fact that eventually, as with all those that belong in a certain age bracket, other horizons to see and time must move on, there are just too many mountains to climb keep the impetus going.
Just one more gig though, one more moment to savour the incredible talent of the four members gave in abundance to their loyal audience. The wonderful aptitude of Vanessa Murray on bass, Adam Holmes on guitar, Alex Davies on drums and of course the young man who can make many jealous with his proficiency and gifted personality Matt Breen, combined for a last time to rock all those attending and leave them wanting more.
The music was appropriately superb, Matt Breen at his cheeky, loveable best and the songs taking on a life of their own. As each one was played during their 45 minute set, it was possible to see in the audience’s eyes memories of past gigs given by The Endings, the triumph and ecstasy, the hard work of all those that supported one of the best young bands in the city having paid off. Songs such as Don’t Know Who You Are, When The Lights Dim Down, the fabulous Katy, Sixteenth and the new Not Guilty were performed with high tempo and regret, a powerful set of emotions that sum up the group perfectly. This may be an end but it is not the finish.
Ian D. Hall