Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * *

Everybody starts somewhere, the great and the good, the seemingly indestructible icons of stage, cinema and music and everyday walk of life. Everybody has a back story, the fledgling beginnings which in time show how, in this case the group of musicians, took themselves on from humble beginnings and with perspiration, dogged determination and age can be sensational. Such is the proposition facing A Lovely War and the quirky, certainly enjoyable E.P. Ezra.

Like the short snappy and commentary filled poetry of its name sake, Ezra, delivers rapid and concise words to the awaiting listener, the listener is not to be disappointed and when melded with the quirky sound that Sean Keogh and Patrick Hughes have put together, then A Lovely War have more than signalled their intent to be combat ready and take on certain music which is allowed to wallow unfettered and unfiltered with such aggravation in the nation’s homes. A Lovely War is to be waged, even by those just starting on their way and already having the correct mind set not to join a certain way of life.

With three arrows to the quiver, Ezra hits the target area with no sign of falling short into the grass surrounding the objective. First E.P. it may be, but there is room for growth, the tracks Baby, Don’t be so Defensive, the title track Ezra and the very cool Maxine, We’re Alive! are testament to the way that young bands and artists can be seen and must be heard, not locked away in a backroom and told to settle for everything previous generations did and in which only the single-minded managed to carry their voice across. Like Ezra Pound, words are followed by actions and this E.P. is certainly moulded from the same thought, the same philosophy; that words that are allowed to grow become more powerful, A Lovely War have more than time on their side to prove their actions right.   

Ian D. Hall