Mick Birchall Reviews

  It's been a long time since I darkened the doorstep of Manchester Academy. I used to be there every other week before the unspecified virus took over the world. So coming back to the venue felt like coming home in a sense. I couldn't think of a better show to go to than the man himself Brian Fallon. There has always been a kinship between Brian and the Manchester audiences, with the banter, the laughs and out-loud sing-a-longs. It all feels so comforting and wholesome. Although the odd curse words get thrown around it's always in good jest. I will say walking down Oxford Road to the Academy just felt right, it felt natural, it felt like the warm embrace of an old friend and seeing Brian on stage, it felt like the clocks had turned back. Along for the ride on this great show were singer-songwriters Chris Farren and Jesse Malin. On paper, this was looking like it was going to be one hell of a night.   Taking the stage first was Jesse Malin . A performer that I have admired ...

Holy cow! I know I haven't posted in a hot minute but sometimes I hear something and it compels me to start writing. I cannot tell you how much I've wanted to hear this album. Ever since it was announced I have had a mighty need for it. Now it's out on their Bandcamp, I immediately purchased it and put the full thing on. Yeah man, this one was worth the money, I wasn't waiting for this record to hit streaming platforms. A Sound of Thunder just lit a fire in me that I don't think many bands can touch. Their new album The Krimson Kult is such a stellar effort from all involved. Inspired by real events this album takes you on a journey. With commanding vocals, well-performed musicianship and tight production, The Kirmson Kult keeps you hooked from start to finish. Opening on the atmospheric "Orb Weaver" had me hooked from the opening notes but nothing could prepare me for the album we were going to get. The second track "The Rise of the Krimson Kult...

Growing up, I had three main influences on what would form my music taste. The first is my family, the second is what was popular in school and the third was internet recommendations. Discovering this band feels like a combination of all of those influences. Recently, I’ve been really getting back into my old favourites. With new albums being released or announced from Underoath , Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows , Senses Fail , Billy Talent and others of that ilk. It’s inspired me to just get back into my old favourite bands from yesteryear. However, I realised there was one of those bands that have stuck with me and I feel have matured and grown up with me. That would be the topic of this blog post, The Devil Wears Prada . I mean their recent singles Sacrifice and Watchtower have shined a light back on them for me and after hearing those songs, I thought to go back over their albums and assess what I love about them. Let’s go back to 2009. I had left high school the year before. I wa...

  Another year gone alredy! I know, I know I have posted this year. This blog has lay dorment as life kinda got in the way 2021 has been yet another difficult year for many and I know not many people will care about a silly blogger not making his usual reviews. However, I really do apologise for not keeping up my usual schedule. Especially since this year kicked a whole boat load of ass with releases. Honestly, there was so much good music this year from all corners and from all genres! So much so, that I couldn't, in good concience, just do a traditional ranking of my favourite albums. At the same time, the year just wouldn't feel complete if I didn't acknowledge the amazing year of music that we've had. So, as a super-special mega blog. I going to do something new! Something, I've never done before. So without further adue allow me to present the first annual 2021 Birchy Awards . So... what do you say? Shall we get this rocky show on thr road! By the way, I will ...