Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Would you rather be seen Shaking Hands With The Devil, or receiving short shrift from those of a more heavenly persuasion? Life is such that to do a deal with those who offer flexible rates of temptation is quite often seen as being necessary, the right path in which to tread and take note in, after all what is a handshake but a performance in which two sides mutually agree to break the bond created at some point; at least that offers some hope, of seeing your own aim realised.
There is an immensity of consideration to be undertaken when placed into this arena, how much does the handshake signify acceptance of the pact, the temptation and the alarm riding through the soul. However, if you place value on the purity of your message, if your voice is sincere, then the Devil will fade and in its place will stand a monument to the creative voice you possess.
It is that voice that earnestly guides Steve Logan through his new release, Shaking Hands With The Devil, a crowning sense of musical achievement which is not only hard to tear yourself away from, it is at times a sheer impossibility. Not only does the passion of the man unquestionably show throughout the recording, but it is one that has seen the detail the devil put down on paper and found several clauses in which he could improve upon the entities lack of foresight.
The album benefits from the work of the master at the helm, and from the talented crew he has assembled, namely Andy Cross, John Carrod and Paul Richards and across tracks such as Land of Disconnection, Sinner Like Me, Plastic Revolution, Crossed Wires and the stunning album title track Shaking Hands With The Devil, the warmth that exists between the four men, the determination to prove gods, devils and monsters wrong, is a sincere joy to listen to. Never mind shaking hands with the Devil, instead think on riding a train with destiny at the controls; for that is surely what comes when you place your trust in your own ability.
An album of remarkable insight and fortitude, Shaking Hands With The Devil is a stunning piece of art.
Ian D. Hall