Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Whilst the crowds flock en masse to the Liverpool side of the Mersey to watch the grand spectacle of foreign ships and their crews making their way into port, on the Wirral, the small town of Hoylake was gearing up for its annual Oxjam music event and seemingly nowhere was in more of a mood to enjoy the late but welcome turn in the weather as spring in its youthful guise made a timely appearance.
The applause builds up slowly and surely in heated anticipation before exploding with a feel of over- riding love as Stephen Langstaff makes his way on stage to give the huge crowd at The East Village Arts Club, something they have craved all evening, the sound and voice of one of Liverpool’s finest in full flow.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
The East Village Arts Club has already been creating a buzz since the doors re-opened a few weeks back. However much loved Masque was, the heady intoxicating nights in there were a by-word for some good music, inside the building now feels more homely, the sound more complete, lush and sensuous and there certainly could be no greater exponents of that overpowering sensuousness than the three acts that found their way there on the start of what is a busy Bank Holiday for the city.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
To squeeze yourself between two acts, one on fire with their dazzling display and integration of cello and rock and the other a young man so on his game he could take on all comers in a World Cup tournament and still probably win before half time, takes a certain amount of desire and musical skill. In Caroline England, a woman not known to be fazed by anything that is put before her, 20 minutes was more than enough to show why her acoustic set is so highly rated and her voice can reduce a person’s heart to a quivering wreck begging for mercy.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 7/10
Dlugokecki may be a word that looks as if it is designed to trip you up in a big way. Like those playground bullies of your schooldays that hung about near the lockers and stuck their foot out as you passed them and then laughed themselves into apoplexy as you fought to get back up with some semblance of dignity. Thankfully the band that bears the name are nothing of the sort, they are pleasant, self- effacing and with a front man who looks as if he the sweetest guy in the world. The name may be hard to pronounce but the music they play rolls of the tongue like Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier stroking a free kick home with an easy elegance.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
There is something stirring in the deep heart of Sweden. Alongside Norway, Denmark and Finland, the music that is coming out those Nordic lands is becoming more and more relevant to how Europe and especially the U.K. is thinking about Pop/Rock/Metal. Not only is it relevant, it is extremely good and stunning to hear and Stockholm’s Rooni shows this new energy to be gaining more and more ground.
Liverpool Sound of Vision Rating 9/10
It doesn’t take long to fall in love, the barest of fleeting glimpses or sounds on a radio can be enough for anybody to start a life-times affair with the most defining of bands. Whether it is the intoxicating thought that the music supplied by The 286, is industrious, soul grabbing, slips you a crafty but loving wink in between each affectionate and amorous note or that it brings back so many memories of the only band to have ever tried anything as daring and eclectic as anything that one of Birmingham’s most favourite bands, E.L.O., ever conceived.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
As Norman Kelsey stands on the stage at The Cavern Club and takes in the audience’s reaction, it would be easy to forgive him if for the briefest of moments the broad smile he has had on his face all evening suddenly became as wide as the River Mersey. For Norman Kelsey, the man who made his way from the West Coast of America to perform in this year’s International Pop Overthrow, to say his set was stunning would be a huge understatement.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
The International Pop Overthrow wouldn’t be the same without the presence of California’s Adam Marsland being spotted and enjoyed at some point during the eight days. On and off the stage the man is a colossus and always gives a consummate performance worthy of some of the greats from the United States.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * *
Norway’s links with Liverpool are un-disguisable, even the favourite dish of the city, Scouse, originates from there and it is no wonder that all things Norwegian make their way to the city at some point or another. Some are taken to the people’s hearts straight away and some take getting used to.