Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

There is nothing better than being on board a powerful juggernaut or expensively made motorbike which is haring along the American interstate, the speed getting faster as each mile zips by till finally the only way to come to a grinding halt is to make sure you put everything into the brake, the deep gauging and burning impression left by the tires in the asphalt an indication of just how great the ride was. Listening to Liverpool’s They’re Coming To Get You Barbara’s set of new songs from the E.P. Dead Reckoning is like being on that motorbike but somehow much more enjoyable.

Whilst Liverpool’s overall music output may not quite cater for the heavier sound available, it being under-represented in favour of music that is outstandingly good, it still has a place in the hearts of some of those who find themselves having to travel far too often to other cities for a slice of the loud they require. The taste of sweat and grinding lyric wrapped up in beat that forever hangs in the air like the uproar and desired commotion of a bikers rally going round and round the M25, typified by many but captured completely by James Suffield, Mike Suffield, Dan Kelly and Mike Biggs under the guise of They’re Coming To Get You Barbara.

Blistering pace, the growl of a vocal, that far from being the frightened mew of an skittish animal being teased by a piece of string is more akin of the roar emanating deep from within the jungle, one that strikes fear in the mind and turns the blood cold. These attributes along with very good lyrics are what make the music stand out and to anyone devoid of a great new set of songs in which to enjoy in between old classics, then these are the weapons in which to achieve that heavy nirvana.

The End…, the superb Ill Gotten Gains, the powerful and demanding Darkest Cloud and The Peasant and The Devil, are just four of the tracks in which the driver of the juggernaut will gladly give you a lift, turn up the stereo and swap stories of the road with you, Dead Reckoning is well worth the time it takes to stick your thumb out and hitch a ride.

Ian D. Hall