Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

The closeness of the band often betrays just how well they are likely to be received on stage; the audience after all are no fools and their evening, their enjoyment stems from the harmony on stage or the desire that emanates from it and for that, and despite time away from the glare of a Liverpool crowd, The Corrs proved that they had lost none of their intrigue, polish or intimacy and that they could still hold a room, even a vast one, spellbound and breathless.

For The Corrs, the evening was one of pitch perfect sound, of reliving once again the beauty in the Irish tones and the sentimental confidence they offer with overpowering majesty. For the couple of thousand people who made their way to the Echo Arena on a Friday night, it was the memories of ballads conquered in the past and the friendship residing in a wonderful new tune that was to be expected and supplied with absolute grace, especially from the gentleness provided in the quartet’s familiarity with each other’s own dedication to the song.

Whilst like The Corrs support act The Shires they may have benefitted from the close proximity that The Philharmonic Hall can offer a group, the natural enclosed reverberation of music gently swooning at the audience’s hearts, the Echo Arena served its purpose in delivering a night of beautiful passion to the upbeat crowd and in songs such as I Do What I Like, Give Me A Reason, Runaway, the evocative Ellis Island, Buachaill On Eirne, Love To Love You, Queen of Hollywood and the pulsating cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams, the music was captivating, serenading and charming, all that was needed to take the chill of a cold January night; the warm blanket of security nestling against an Irish heart.

Off the radar they may have been, away from the public stare and arguably living a life of serenity away from the crowd of the stage but The Corrs still offer their fans a respite from the fires of modern living in their appealing and engaging music, the friendly scenic journey through lyrics that are cool and bountiful never once leaving their side. A hearty welcome return to Liverpool, one in which they delivered all they had to give.

Ian D. Hall