Mick Birchall Reviews

So, this was my introduction to the Ashley Sherlock and he left a decent first impression. The blues singer comes locked and loaded with his debut album Just A Name . The album is filled with songs that will leave you feeling beautiful emotions and good vibes. The Manchester singer-songwriter and his band have been on the scene for about four years in its current incarnation. Before this record, he had two EPs to his name. 2019s Ashley Sherlock and 2021s If You’re Listening . So naturally I had to go back and listen to the earlier material to get some groundwork. I heard a naturally gifted songwriter with an ear for a good hook, and clearly, influenced by the classic pantheon of songwriters. He wears his heart on his sleeve and that leaks from his soul to the songs he puts together. I can appreciate that, a songwriter that has a voice. Sure this kind of underground blues-rock sound has been around since the dawn of underground rock bars. However, I think he’s found his own unique vo...

It’s pretty fair to say that, at one point in time, I was a colossal fan of the modern blues-rock legend, Joe Bonamassa . I fell in love with his seventh studio record The Ballad of John Henry and became enthralled with his music. I’ll never forget going to the Sheperd’s Bush Empire in London for my 21st birthday to see him live. That show was recorded for a concert DVD, so I have that day forever immortalised on film. Not a bad memory to have I must say! However, over the years I became distant from Joe’s music. For no real reason, I just seemed to lose touch with my passion for his records and stopped waiting for the releases. It’s just one of those weird things in life. Well, circumstance has returned me to the joy of listening to Mr Bonamassa. I have had a chance to catch up on his recent discography, particularly his 2021 record, Time Clocks . This record is an absolute marvel my jaw was on the floor. Everything just fits together; each riff, each solo, the tight rhythm and the b...

You may, or may not be aware that I’ve talked about Novacrow several times over the years. Well, I have and I will not stop until… Well, I don’t really have an end date on that. They are a superb band that always puts a smile on my face. Their unique brand of weirdness is the cure for any bad mood or vibe you might be having. When I heard they were going to be playing in Tank, well for me, that was a recipe for a good ol’ fun time. Joining the fun for that night were alt-rockers Spitfyre and prog-rock outfit, Apparitia . Also for the first time in a while, it was an outdoor gig. Yes, the British weather behaved itself long enough for us to get outdoors and play hard rock to the heavens. Which was nice after such a long winter. So drink in hand and ready to go I was ready for the bands to start.   There’s always something quite special about experiencing a band's music live, especially when you’ve never listened to them before. I really liked the set from Spitfyre . Their music ...

Sometimes you hear a band and they immediately grab your attention. It’s a feeling of ecstasy like no other. Music that interacts with your soul on a level incomparable to anything else on this plane of existence. I recently had that feeling hit me. The Greek band Villagers of Ioannina City have captured my imagination. There’s just something magical about their music. It’s bold, it blends subgenres and the overall tone just encompassed my mind on the first listen. I’ve been introduced to them thanks to Napalm Records releasing their live album Through Space and Time (Alive in Athens 2020) this year. As soon as I watched the first video, I was immediately filled with joy. I instantly wanted to share it with my friends and I started writing this blog.  Firstly, who are they? The band consists of Alex Karametis on guitar and lead vocals, Akis Zois on bass guitar, Aris Giannopoulos on the drums, Konstantis Pistiolis playing the clarinet and other wind instruments and Konstantinos La...