Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
Free thought, it is a priceless commodity to be able to utilise, to experience, to shape your own life, whilst hopefully offering a glimmer of spirit to anyone who watches you live your life for a while. Whilst thought should always be free, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t come without a bill to be paid, a payment in kind if certain political ideologies invade, infest, and desecrate the belief that the artist is not worth the same respect as anyone who strives away in the darkness before unveiling the light that inspires for all.
We are on the verge of taking art, not only for granted, but demanding access to everything the soul has to offer without recompensing the belief, the structure of society has become drunk on the belief that the starving artist and the venues they inhabit, are nothing but shells in which to denigrate and abuse.
There is though, a chance of utopia, or at least hope that the bleak future being held out as gospel, can be altered, that there is a land, a Luna Park! to which the masses, the silent observers, the grateful and lip mouthing in unison followers can attend an artist’s work and see them thrive, as all members of society, no matter their station, their skill or performance, can be held as human beings with a purpose to engage and to inspire.
In the best traditions of the concept album and those recordings joined seamlessly by a theme, Tarkus the Henge’s third studio offering is one of inspiration, ambition, and one that asks the listener to realise that life is about taking a stand against the powers that be. In Luna Park! – the gonzo Rock ‘N’ Roll outfit’s Jaz Delorean, Tim Fulker, George Simmonds, Joao Mello and Franco Pellicani, along with guest appearances from Tom Sinnett, Seb Kelly and Jodie Marie, take on the disgruntled naysayers who oppress creativity and enjoyment, and win handsomely, a treat for the senses that is justified and passionate in its objective.
The sheer pace and free will of the album is captured in all its glory on tracks such as the opener God, Oil, Money, Glitterlung, the excellent Susie Sidewinder, the exceptional salvo of (Livin’ Like A) Pilgrim and The Only Thing That Passes Here is Time and the finale of Staying On This Side Of The Dirt, and as providence and times allow, the close connection with utopia and the discarding of entropy is to be found to be enjoyable excursion, a day out in the sun, of those who inhabit Luna Park!
Ian D. Hall