Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
Those who only witness life as if being shown the world through the short peek of an ajar door have no concept that somewhere in the vicinity will be a series of open windows, curtains drawn back, the welcoming wave of visitors and other on lookers already enjoying the fact they have been privileged to see into that realm at that time.
Through each looming window, a scenario of life is played out, a pending thought is hung out to dry and gather strength, finding purpose, its meaning Imminent, its significance all to passionate and though the windows be see through, from a distance they reflect all that shines, they act as a barrier from the cold and unforgiving, the implication as always is that once you have seen through them, you might never get such an opportunity again.
A window, a piece of art, or an album is not just a reflection of the initial artist’s inner most thoughts and fears, it is also how the process works when you converse with those around you, the juggling act which takes on the guises of serenity and chaos and which is placed into a musical blender till it comes out smooth, mailable, as precious as liquid gold. In that respect Gary Innes proves on his latest album that there is nothing like the conscious sharing of one’s hopes and fears to see a response in others, and with the temptation of performance that comes with Angus Lyon, Damien O’Kane, James Lindsay, Karen Matheson and Ali Hutton all combining in this venture. What transpires is not just the Imminent feeling of blissful energy and perspective, it is a cascade of emotions, joy and fear, pain and love, solitude and welcoming new life, which makes the imminent, eminent.
With the superb single Swan Song being surrounded by tracks such as Welcome To New York, The Sheerwater, The Valley Superstar, The Howler, Trade Winds and Persistence Pays Off, Gary Innes, and the remarkable crew of musicians accompanying him, weaves the idea of exploration and the journey of new life to come, no window to the soul is off-limits, no room is left untouched by the new creativity.
What’s important soon becomes known, we never truly see it until the time is right, when the windows are flung open with a flourish and the new air of life is happily received imminently.
Gary Innes releases Imminent on 15th February 2019 via GHI Records.
Ian D. Hall