Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
In amongst the hirsute and the abundant floral facial decorations stood on stage a man to whom looked equally as impressive but also indomitable in his pursuit to be the very best man on display inside Constellations on a day when the wind and rain were conspiring to make every male in the city look blustery and windswept. Whilst others were going over their looks, quite rightly in appreciation of Beerdfest and everything facially follicle, the every impressive Ste Neildsy was marking out a path of his own and it was that excellent to witness, especially with one whose own reputation is taking great strides.
It is the stride of the man who wants to grow, he feels that urge to be greater than he could ever have imagined and one that some of us miss, some neglecting their own soul in favour of the quick blushed sentiment. In Ste Neildsey that sentiment is one that has been made sturdy, powerful, directional and it one that must be harnessed by all who end up watching him.
The shelter provided by Constellations proved bountiful on a cloudy, drizzle filled and rain soaked September day, the warmth exuding from all comers as they paraded their moustaches and beards with authority. Unwavering against this line up of challenging whiskers and highlighted incredible sense of manliness, Ste Neildsey placed his own beauty into the room and provided the music that has made him a firm favourite in Liverpool.
To catch Ste Neildsey perform is an honour, his voice is sharp, playful, it entices the listener or the gig attendee to sit up and take notice and dismiss the world around them; in many cases dismissing the world is easily done but there is no enjoyment to it, in Ste Neildsey, not only does he make it enjoyable, he somehow commands that such an action is necessary to your musical appreciation and life.
To concentrate on the words of such a well thought out song is to find yourself lost in reverie and as the lyrics of Do What Ya Please, Johnny, I Could of Told Ya and Echo Echo made their way into the large framework and space of Constellations, the man on stage for a short while become the true focus of everybody’s attentions and it was one in which to feel gratified within.
A day in Liverpool listening to Ste Neildsey is a must at some point, a man that all who see him perform needs to urge him to keep pounding on, for surely his voice is needed to keep us loving.
Ian D. Hall