Well another year has slipped effortlessly through our collective grasp, and to signal the end of the old and in with the new, here at Liverpool Noise we welcome the collective efforts of our local musicians to add their artistic perspective to this transition.
So first up is Centerfold with their second single Changing World, whose press release assures us that they are a “modern rock band”. However, that’s where the relationship with modernity ends, as we are reliably informed that the band recorded without a click track in order to recreate the musical tension and energy of live performance. And, to these ears, they have accomplished their mission.
The dependable Helen Maw is up next with Things You Never Said. Dependable in the sense that La Maw always delivers songs that directly speak to the emotional inner self. With superb production and heartfelt lyrics exploring the inner mechanisms of a romantic relationship, Things You Never Said is the latest example of a songwriter of considerable prowess, integrity and authenticity.
As you get older, it is not uncommon for the surprise elements of Christmas begin to diminish, but how happy I was to be introduced to Lewis Evans and his album Coeur Celeste. This exiled Scouse singer-songwriter is doing rather well for himself in France, and this confidence and song-writing assuredness is abundantly displayed on this eleven-song album. Sonically eclectic, it is most musically and emotionally satisfying. An excellent Gallic – Britpop mash up, it’s a refreshing listen. In a musical world that can be staid and vanilla, Lewis Evans presents a real rainbow of artistic intent. Viva Le Evans!
Dreaming by Fiona Lennon was released a couple of weeks ago and is reminiscent to the mighty Nicks / Buckingham era of Fleetwood Mac, which is high praise indeed. The song builds into a satisfying huge chorus which won’t be out of place when she is – as she deserves – playing huge venues. It’s a lovely arrangement with the backing musicians showing their musical chops and sensitivity to the demands of the song. It’s a real worm. As the EPK states, say hello to your new favourite song.
Time travel is possible. Honestly. It’s possible through music. And Radio Psychosis’ You Can Be Anything transports you back to the early 1980s, if you were alive then or not. This track exhibits everything great about this era of independent music nationally in general, but Liverpool in particular. The lead vocalist possesses a rich baritone, reminiscent of a mixture of Paul Simpson and Elijah James, whilst the music has the sheer majesty of The Wild Swans at their very, very best. It’s tremendous stuff and definitely worth checking out.
The Liverpool Legend that is Michael Head completes this write up, with his Ciao Ciao Bambino which is delightful in all aspects. The grandeur of the trumpet riff, the laconic vocal, the wistful, playful lyrics, this is vintage Head, and will be greeted with such acclaim by his many, many followers. The lyric video captures the mood of the song to a tee also. Hopefully, just hopefully, this could be a taster to a follow up from the Maestro…
If you want to be featured in our monthly New Noise music roundup please email [email protected] with a link to your music and social media channels/website.
Sebastian Saint Morne
