Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
The heart rejoices when it hears of a collection of souls achieving a singular aim, a goal far greater than they might have ever believed possible, such is life now that all the glory, all the praise seems heaped upon the younger members of society when the ones who have seen the action, who have lived through the raging wind and the autumn clouds deserve the same applause, that when anyone puts something together with passion, all should be seen as equal under the heavens.
It might take one song, it could take a couple, however to really go to town, to hit the world with your opinions and foresight, music of Five Songs E.P. would be the right number to sledgehammer the nut with and it is a mighty nut that is laid bare before the listener’s ears by Mudcat Landing and one that raises a particular smile of grateful pleasure upon the lips of those who take in with all seriousness the attitude and strength offered by Tim Glover, Chris Stevens, Phil McHoul and Steve Doran.
Mastered by Alan Lewis, 5 Songs E.P. is an album of flavour, of retrospect played out in the avenue of the fresh and burgeoning thought, it is the first formed dew on the freshly cut lawn but by a gardener of Time, one who knows every blade of grass and who never stops making sure it just right to be inspected and admired. This is no rush job, there is no cracks on the pitch, just a smile of fantastic proportions and one that doesn’t let go.
In the tracks Never Go Back Home, Your Right Was Wrong, El Camino Del Diablo, Guest Villain and Drunken Angel the band really pull out all the stops and grace the stereo with a growl and a measured wink of gratitude to all that have carried them high upon their shoulders so far; it is far from an easy business but making music is not, or at least should not, be about fame, fortune and television appearances, instead it should be about getting the message you carry in your heart across and Five Songs E.P. is one such message that is quite rightly cool and pleasurable to receive.
Ian D. Hall