Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

Control is everything when it comes to be true to your core beliefs, your own artistic barometer, without it manipulation of the senses and a kind of imposed domination is the dangerous step into the void.

Sometimes though losing control is just exquisite, it is the building block of something quite extraordinary and whether it is through just going with the dynamic or the groove, control in all its forms and influences cannot, and should not, be easily dismissed. It is the good judgment and significant thought to understand that restraint does not have to be rigid, flat and uninspired, it just needs to Lose Control at all the right times.

For Chantel McGregor, Lose Control is symbolic; it is the shedding of light upon a musician whose music is channelled by taking creative endeavour and pouring into a blender and seeing it evolve into something that sits on the air and drives home the experience with each pulsating note and image ridden crescendo. There is more to this feeling of evolving in Lose Control than perhaps might be heard at first attempt. To evolve is natural but to understand where it has come from, to show your own kick on the door and leave the imprint for others to smile, take note and follow with pleasure is the mark of an artist for who so much beckons.

For the Yorkshire born Chantel, the tracks are immersive; they spring to life with organised, unrestricted bliss and heave the listener from deep slumber that can set in on an downcast day to feeling as if they have just heard something beyond their wildest expectations.

Tracks such as Your Fever, Burn Your Anger, the emotional tug of Anaesthetize, Eternal Dream and the utterly compelling progressive sound attached to Walk On Land all keep the album rolling through well disciplined domination. It is the craft of someone who knows when to rein the emotion back but also to let the notes soar higher than anything else can achieve, this really is the foundation of cool and composed.

If this is how Chantel McGregor will be taking the path of her music from now on then by all means, to hear someone Lose Control in such beautiful fashion can only be one in which time will savour.

Ian D. Hall