Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

There is craftsmanship and there is skill in the artistry, the look of appreciation from the passer by as they suddenly stop and take in the wonder that has unfolded before them. For Nine Times Blue, their new record Matter of Time is the type of E.P., although at six songs it really is not far off album length and equals it in its great depth, that grabs the attention of those passers-by. It turns them into life-long fans, the splendour of power pop wrapped cunningly in the arms of the melodious rock tune and across seven songs the beat gets more interesting, more attractive until suddenly you see the Vincent Van Gogh before your eyes.

At the very heart of this stands the lyrical writing of Kirk Waldrop. The irresistible nature, the compelling easy charm which the listener is drawn into as if taken under the wing of a seasoned hypnotist with the ability to play guitar with a fine toothpick, makes each note provided by the band a dream in which to wallow.

Coming out of the abundant Georgia, (U.S.A) scene, is no easy task as there is a huge big mountain of R.E.M. proportions in which to wade over and past, a journey that even the makers of The Hobbit film series would struggle to get into just three films, but Nine Times Blue manage it with their souls intact. The combination of Kirk Waldrop on guitars and vocals, Greg King on lead guitar, Jeff Neilson on bass and Jason Brewer on drums is astonishing, the attention to detail is fantastic and with Cliff Hills alongside the E.P. title track is a mixture worth taking your time over, of immersing yourself into a band that could rival the famous R.E.M. in terms of competence and generosity of performance.

Stand out tracks include the opener Falling After You, the title track Matter of Time and the excellent Only Lonely (The Shovel Song). Each track on the E.P. lights up the day in which the Georgia sunshine is as deep and languishing as the rich heritage of the area, the songs are catchy, instantly likeable and above all written by a band who understand the pleasure it will give to many.

Following on from the band’s first release, Falling Slowly, Matter of Time is record in which to collapse into and which will spur even the hardest of deflated spirits.

Ian D. Hall