Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
Bruising and full of angst, the torment of the soul as it is released, the freedom that transpires when concern is replaced by possible acceptance; such is the way that the creative side normally associated with the left-hand side of the brain manages to rebuild the soul, to override logic which can be tantalising, but rough to handle when emotions are in play, is quite often the reason why what we might discern as The Sometimes/Often is in reality the agreement we reach with our souls to put all other things aside and get on with creating art for our own sake.
The difference between the two words is enough to push our mood, sometimes portrays possible doubt, reluctance, of being half hearted, and often is the frequency into which the sound of the future becomes habit forming, and in art of any persuasion often leads to always, it is a command of nature that cannot, and must not, be ignored.
It is to Oli Duerden of the band Left Side Brain that that nature, indeed the natural progression, calls; and in his solo release of The Sometimes/Often E.P. is one that typifies the understanding of how creativity cannot be contained.
If one area of life is in hibernation, then the springtime flowers captured by another season must be allowed the determination to thrive. In Oli Duerden’s possession they do more than thrive, they excel, and as the four tracks of the E.P make themselves known, One Day, There And Glad, Nothing’s Forgotten, and the sublime, basking in the limelight opener, Invisible Coup, which has at its heart a kind of Steven Wilson vibe to its hard as nails delivery, the sincerity of the work follows through and the shared experience is glowing.
There may only four tracks on offer for the listener to take in and digest, but as with all things that come in short bursts, they are to be endorsed, commended for having style, substance, and faith in ability heavily engrained throughout.
The Sometimes/Often E.P. is passionate and gratifying, a terrific listen.
Ian D. Hall