Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Out of adversity comes strong and driven people. It is those who are willing to walk 2,000 Miles more to see justice done to bring a smile to the face of the dispossessed and lonely, that bring the world to as a near balance as possible…for these are the ones who have seen the damage done, felt Time’s sporadic cruelty first hand, and who have done their upmost to rise above the harm, and offered a shoulder to lean on and an arm to hold as the march to the beauty in the distance is undertaken.
2,000 Miles, some of us will not walk that in a lifetime, some will purposely avoid even walking across the street to comfort another troubled soul, the cry will come as though emitted from a petulant child that it is too far, that distance is what keeps us sane, that what happens in a far-off place has no influence on our own feelings, our own locality.
To suggest that Roadhouse have been through turmoil, especially when the world itself has suffered in the same period of time, might be called crass by certain individuals who see one person’s plight as to be ignored, but it must be recognised, empathetically, with grace, that the reputation of the band has only increased despite the ides of Time having been against them. To lose a member for one reason, to have another fight a completely separate battle, and yet still return to the listener’s conscious with an album shoulder deep in greatness, is to be applauded and enjoyed.
The passing of drummer Roger Hunt was a huge loss to the group, the departure of Danny Gwillym a sense of unbalance, and yet as Gary Boner fought his own battle, the shaping of 2,000 Miles began to take place, and with Chris Walker, Frank Dymore, Kelly Marie, Bill Hobley, and Mandie G all unifying the music, Gary Boner’s vision becomes a deeply rooted emblem of renewal, of satisfaction and enlightenment in dark times.
This torch of musical perspective surrounded by the affectionate Americana is not only superb, but it is downright passionate, not a moment of time is lost, and in tracks such as Resurrection Man, The Truth, Steamboat Song, The Crying Of The Wolf, and the lead off track 2,000 Miles On The Road, what was once past is no longer prologue, but what is the future is to be held high in the esteemed value of music endeavour.
A journey of 2,000 Miles will assuredly have some detours along the way, there will always be a moment where the start looks more homely than the finish, and yet those who are driven through adversity will complete the walk with pride, and it is to the doggedness and brilliance of Roadhouse that the journey heard is one of absolute relish.
Ian D. Hall