Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

The name of the band may be Path Unknown but since their debut gig at the O2 Academy in January of this year, the course they have been on, the direction they are treading has been ever upwards and quite rightly so. This is no way an unknown path, this is one that is very well thought out and performed so well that in seven short months the band has already made several inspired moves sound wise. From being good and ones to watch at The Academy, to slap me sideways with a cold halibut excellent takes quality, hubris and a dedication in achieving the best, all this has been realised.

Even a small technical hitch was overcome with grace and humour and where others would have lost their heads and possible arguments ensued, even in groups that have been going for many years, the foursome were able to crank up the tension and music to a newer height as if the small mishap spurred them on and made them realise that this was a chance to show their true mettle.

In January Path Unknown played their debut gig in such a way that was homely and intriguing; none of that honest initial approach has been lost; if anything the four lads have extended the homely and unpretentious feel to include several new levels and a sound that if possible was just electric and stunning.

With the excellent Bones opening up the set, that electric feel that started building up as they took to the stage at Zanzibar exploded and whilst the nation’s eyes were concentrating on a young Scotsman winning Wimbledon, in the warm embrace of the club on Seel Street, Path Unknown came of age. It will be a while, of that they can be certain, before the rest of the country and perhaps Merseyside cottons onto them but whilst they are playing tracks as good as Blink, Trojan Horse, About Love, the excellent Master and Slaves and Sit and Wonder, then that time will soon come around.

Seven months on from their debut, Path Unknown are gathering strength.

Ian D. Hall