Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

The International Pop Overthrow wouldn’t be the same without the presence of California’s Adam Marsland being spotted and enjoyed at some point during the eight days. On and off the stage the man is a colossus and always gives a consummate performance worthy of some of the greats from the United States.

The final session of the early afternoon on the front stage of The Cavern belonged squarely and superbly to Mr. Marsland and as he powered his way through the songs that will make it on to his next album The Owl and the Full Moon, which is due for release soon. The reasons why he can command an audience’s attention, to have them almost begging on their knees for just a tiny momentary scrap more, are there for all to see.  A tall man, a man whose height matches his musical stature, he almost blocks out any light coming from above him and makes the audience focus solely on him and the great tracks he has conjured up. It almost seemed inevitable, pre-ordained that he would start his set with the song My Kick Ass Life.

In a great career, Adam has managed to achieve and do what he loves, to perform music for all concerned without the baggage of having to have a second job to steer him away from what he was meant to do. Yes the bills have to be paid, sometimes those bills never seem to end, but if it is possible to get through life and give many thousands pleasure in your dedication and your obvious skill then why should some person at the so called top tell you otherwise on how to live and love your life.

Adam’s great sense of humour was also there for all to see, as the music flowed like a sneaky Friday afternoon pint, his smile never once left his face and as he played tracks including The Worst Thing I Ever Did Was Tell the Truth, No One’s Ever Gonna Hear This Song, the excellent Contamination, the stunning Portland and The Big Bear, the joy he felt playing in the city as part of the International Pop Overthrow was more than evident, it was framed neatly in the overwhelming response he received at the end of a very enjoyable set.

The International Pop Overthrow wouldn’t be the same without this genuine and talented musician and for all those that caught him perform for the first time, there is a new name to ring around and make sure they catch his next release.

Ian D. Hall