Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
Never feel the pangs of jealousy as you find yourself spying on those who look to the heavens with glee on their faces, they may be dreaming of touching the stars, but they never imagine themselves being The Man With Stars On His Knees, they see the glory available to them, but they cannot fathom that beyond that there is the question of care, that we are part of a Universe and as such are required to give all that we can to see what we love, grow.
A new chapter in a book that has already graced the sentiment of being amongst the stars, a new page in which to write your own script and feel the benefit of the magnitude of the pulse and fire that rages within; it is to these stars that inflame us all that Aaron Buchanan has kept within touching distance as he and his fellow members of the Cult Classics, Laurie Buchanan, Tom McCarthy, Mart Trail and Paul White, stood upon the newly installed next stage of their careers and delivered a masterclass of energetic Rock.
In response to the band signing with Listenable Records, that masterclass has been given special edition treatment, it is like watching the sun for a thousand years and then being offered the chance to see a solar storm, an agitated messenger from the gods, rage and spread warmth throughout the system.
The album is the memory of absolute maturity and the conscious that admits, that is proud, to be creatively well adjusted, that is honour band by the thought of heroes, but one that sees its own path in which to plough the furrow of engaging music.
If the original release was resplendent in its cool, the added bonuses attached to this recording mark it out as utterly splendid. The exclusive studio tracks of Fire In The Field and Undertow adding another level of sincerity to the proceedings that came with songs such as Show Me What You’re Made Of, All The Things You’ve Said And Done, A God Is No Friend, Mind Of A Mute and The Devil That Needs You.
The Man With Stars On His Knees is able to see the universe from a gentler perspective, by reaching for the heavens you open yourself up to arrogance and the fall of inevitability; by seeing the collective suns rage in your lap you soon understand that fire comes with a greater appreciation and leaves you burning for more.
Aaron Buchanan And The Cult Classics release the Special Edition of The Man With Stars On His Knees via Listenable Records on Friday 22nd February.
Ian D. Hall