Reviews

Music Reviews March 2015

Our rundown of some local recent releases.

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Zak Ford

Young, Eager & Starry-Eyed

LP

 

Starting with a Led Zeppelin Unplugged-esque rhythm guitar riff and Bright Eyes-esque noise sampling, it’s clear from the outset that Zak Ford doesn’t want his debut LP to be the standard singer/songwriter fare. But the strength of good acoustic music to tell an everyday story remains. The theme that drives through is one of family, home and growing up. Across its eleven tracks, this album is the perfect showcase of Zak’s talent, and the talent of those who perform alongside him, be it on cello, electric guitar, percussion, organ or fiddle. Young, Eager & Starry-Eyed will be released on the 7th of March.

 

By Graeme Smith

 

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Two Reasons Why

Abbey Sessions

EP

Abbey Sessions is a “3+1” track EP: three tracks recorded live in Selby Abbey with the added bonus of single Foxes Den. Two Reasons Why are a two-piece that have mastered the melodic and emotive, but it’s the performance space that’s as apparent on this record as much as the performance. The echoing acoustics of the abbey add a layer of spiritual reverence to singer Lucy’s haunting voice and Joe’s accompanying guitar. Single Foxes Den provides a different sound: epic, driving and inspirational. The two-piece are backed by a full band with drums and strings. The result will stay with you.

 

By Graeme Smith

 

 

Vendettas

Stuck In Your World

Single

 

With a crash of a cymbals and a fast paced, thrashing guitar, Vendettas new single Stuck In Your World begins. Powerful vocals from front man Luke Holdsworth come in and astound you, with tempting harmonies from Ryan Mcllorum, you will be thoroughly entertained form start to finish.

By Daisy Woolett

 

Blind Eye

Sunset

Single

 

Fluttering cymbals and bass drum that recalls a beating heart sets the tone for Blind Eye’s rock ballad Sunset. Moving through intro to chorus to verse, the tempo rises into a staccato rhythm reminiscent of early ’00s indie pop-rockers Franz Ferdinand. An accomplished, tight record from such a young act.

By Graeme Smith

 

 

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Lion Papers

Beautiful Disaster

Single

Compelling vocals from Lion Papers’ front man Curtis Pearson dominate their new single Beautiful Disaster, and with energetic acoustic guitar from Jimmy Ingham they’re new single is something special. Amelia, the B side to their single, is no different, carrying on the grand standard they have set. The single will be released the 30th March.

By Daisy Woolett