Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

The back stage at The Cavern, the one most associate with a time that never truly existed and the one in which the full warmth of the International Pop Overthrow has had many bands open up the proceedings on it in the last 14 years but perhaps none so much as enjoyable as the bright sparks and lasting flames put out into the Liverpool night as 2am Turn Around managed as they kicked of the 2016 International Pop Overthrow extravaganza with charm and beautiful harmony.

For Luke Potter and James Wiggans, the recent merging of their two distinctive styles was a harking back to the days when arguably America’s finest ever Folk act, Simon and Garfunkel, stood on the New York stage and presented the endearing vision of the glory to come. Whilst there will always be a way to go to capture such endearing spirits at their finest, Mr. Potter and Mr. Wiggans combined to bring a warmth and creative attitude to the festival that will stand them in good stead in the years to come.

Separate they are good, together they are of such quality that hearts could be seen to be visibly melt in their presence; the precise nature of the ability, though still in its youthful throws and young stag like approach, is there to be admired and as the set drew on, as one of the guitars was dispensed with, the full frontal assault of possibility was to be cherished.

With songs such as Storms, Love Is Never Easy, Should I Stay and Waiting On The World all gracing the surrounding air and the walls of The Cavern relishing the new strength of purpose added to its foundations, Luke Potter, making his second appearance at the I.P.O., and James Wiggans captured the hearts of all in attendance.

To kick off a week-long festival, to set the standard at something as prestigious as the I.P.O. is to be applauded fully and for 2am Turn Around it is surely the start of something cool and fulfilling. A great opening act, one that mixed the two genres it was holding deep in its veins with great distinction.

Ian D. Hall