NEW MUSIC EAR : Album Reviews

"THE ILLUMINATION OF EVERYTHING" 2016 ILLUMINATION - Rip-roaring opening of frenzied heavy guitars before launching into classic Fireflys territory, the melodious, incredibly catchy chorus! At 2 minutes 12 seconds we get an atmospheric electronic/guitar break, almost psychedelic before heading back to an epic finish. RELEASE/REPEAT - This light Folk Rock track is already a fan favourite before the album launch due to its prior single outing. One of those tracks you just need to keep playing, a first namer on any Flys hit team sheet! BRANCHES - This song was played to death in our house, and to our friends! A beautifully crafted song, melancholic and light, the guitars remind me of Prince's Purple Rain solo, it sings of sadness and hope. Sheer class, I called it a lilting mixed masterpiece in a first review, I wasn't wrong. ANGEL OF THE NORTH - A chilled and relaxing number, a little 70s Prog Rock, a little 90s Stone Roses. After a

"SONGS FOR GENTLE SOULS" 2020 RUNAWAY - The debut album by former The Fireflys' members, singer-songwriter and guitarist Lee Wylding and drummer Andie Packer begins with a gem.  This opener reminds me of a classic Bon Jovi or Def Leppard track that's part of an Acoustic set.  I always loved that change of style with the orchestral sounds lifting their famous songs.  Lee gives a brilliant, emotive Rock vocal that merges with the delightful melancholic melody. THIS HOUSE IS OURS - The tempo turns up a gear for this, with an Irish Folk style rhythm.  An instant foot tapper and  catchy chorus lifts this debut single.  Imagine a Pirate crew having a sing-a-long chugging some Rum with you clapping and stomping the deck!.  Awesome.     BRANCHES - A favourite of mine from The Fireflys' back catalogue gets a new re-working here.  This version emits even more emotion than the original.  There is a lovely Country twang as the track is slowed down a touch to be more of a F

"DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE" 2012 ONE TIN MAN - The debut album by Kevin Gullickson's Radio Drive opens with this bright and breezy track.  Its 90s BritPop style are reminiscent of R.E.M.  A great introduction to this set.   DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE - This title track is a brilliant chugging 60s/70s style outright rocker.  I love this track, an instant favourite.  There are some interesting Eastern influenced keyboards in there I think and the echoed vocals give it a mystical feel as well. LIFE AS IT SHOULD BE - A really lovely, lilting ballad that has Dream Pop moments and a slight Eastern flavour again with the chiming intro.  Nice track to relax to after a stressful day. THE WINNING EDGE - This is a harder Classic Rock track, although an instrumental its atmospheric backing makes this a great listen.  At just less than 3 minutes it showcases yet again the different styles that Radio Drive can take on with ease.  Also has hints of Progressive Rock, classy track. ONE LIFE TO

    "ON A CLOUD" 2014 MY MARILYN - The debut album by Widnes band The Spase opens with a great bluesy style Pop track with brilliant passionate and powerful vocals from vocalist/guitarist Andy Forrest ably backed by Peter Walker on bass and Simon Harris on percussion and guitar.  The song hints at Blues while keeping a Pop slant until about halfway through and slide guitar sounds come in to make it a Folk Country ending, superb. EMPTY LANE - The tempo slows down on this Acoustic Indie track with hints of Gothic Rock sounding at times like The Mission.  The continuing moody and melancholic backing is sombre but has that unique positive tint.  The vocals actually remind me of Tom Bailey from Thompson Twins, emotional and deep. A ROAMING SON - One of my favourites by the band, and after hearing it live many moons ago it became more so. A beautiful Acoustic track, minimal guitars and percussion bringing to mind a hybrid of The Stone Roses and The Monkees.  An absolute gem with