Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
We didn’t think it at the time but listening to Dire Straits was an experience that perhaps arguably has never been matched. The sense of appreciation has increased, the roster of former performers, the touching of genius that ran through the band in a way that bordered on enigmatic passion, has seen the players all go their own way since the break-up of the band in 1995 and produce music that has both embraced the sound that captured hearts and the imagination, and the depth of knowledge of their own loves, the music that makes their own personalities shine through.
John Illsley, the only member aside from Mark Knopfler to appear on the catalogue of Dire Straits albums, is though the one who holds the flame of the original sound with the upmost respect, and listening to his latest release, the listener is struck by the foundations of the music, steeped and revelling in a time that is both historically fascinating and dare it be said full of panache, style, and glory, and yet immersing itself in the current state of the world; a new brilliance aided by the fortunes of old.
VIII is not a case of longing for the past, nor a case of melancholia poking its head above the parapet, it is about belonging, of acceptance that we must continue and breathe with honour despite all that is trying to defeat us, be it the worst ravages of humanity, or Time itself, we must do everything in our power to make sure that we have done all that we can to be remembered.
John Illsley’s VIII is an outstanding piece of art, musically forceful, lyrically pulsating with life, it is, so far, the peak of an enduring catalogue of work that rivals and embraces anything that has been released by the other band members in their solo career.
After all this not competition, it is an experience that keeps giving, and across tracks such as Love You Still, 21st Century, the exceptional Market Town, Wondering, None Of This Was Planned, and the beautiful cover of the primarily written John Lennon track I’m Only Sleeping, the former Dire Straits stalwartrelishes anew all that comes his way, the inspiration, the joy, the reflection, the drama, and the wonder of placing before the audience an album that is Dire Straits in its essence, but also completely John Illsley as a solo performer at his unique best.
John Illsley releases VIII on May 20th via 100% Records
Ian D. Hall