by aura
Here’s the truth: I love Liam Gallagher.
When I got this album for review while waiting for the tube I very nearly passed out right there on the platform. So of course I’m biased and I’m not gonna lie and pretend I listened to the album oh-so-objectively. That being said, I’ve tried my best to not just gush about the album.
From my very first listen, I had this pegged as a love it or hate it album, and I think the reaction online, from the time the first single dropped, is proving that there is no in between. To me, that makes it all the more exciting. There’s something to be said about the balls it takes to play around with new sounds and influences, or even be a bit silly with lyrical wordplay when you’ve been put in a small creative box for decades. (Which is something I think is true for both Liam and John, even if the latter seems to be given some leeway, being someone that’s quite open and experimental in his creative spaces).
This is a happy album in its core, a reflective celebration of a road well travelled with hopes of more to come. It sounds very Liam Gallagher, stepped up with the breathtaking melodic talent John Squire brings into the mix.
The album opens with ‘Raise Your Hands’, an anthemic tune with pounding drums that set you up to be engaged from the start. With the addition of guitar and a lovely piano arrangement., all the sounds intertwine with a classic rock infusion sound accompanied by outstanding vocals and a striking guitar solo. It’s full of catchy hooks and rhythm goodness.
Next is ‘Mars To Liverpool ‘, one of the singles. “Jesus Christ, about last night, I can only apologise” says Liam in your ear, opening the song with a fun melody that’s filled with that Gallagher charm and swagger. John Squire’s influence in the melody and guitar work is unmistakable, bringing in a sleek quality to the song. The chorus is catchy as can be, delightful and playful.
With ‘One Day At A Time’ they bring a more expansive, stadium sound. This is another one that showcases Liam’s vocals, accompanied by superb blues soaked guitar that provides depth, making for a compelling, reflective, and hopeful delivery.
‘I’m A Wheel’ might be my favourite song on the album. A bluesy, Muddy Waters-y, New Orleans-y sounding, goosebump-inducing, downright addictive tune. It’s incredibly groovy, filled with fuzzy guitars and terrific bass line. With Liam’s vocals like you’ve hardly heard him before. So good.
Then comes ‘Just Another Rainbow’, the divisive debut single. The psychedelia and funk infused track left me a bit puzzled when it dropped, I must admit. Now it makes total sense. In the context of the album, it totally changes and it becomes clear why it was chosen as a single. John Squire’s riffs and solos are why this song exists at all. Riffs so incredibly good, you could listen to them for hours.
We move onto ‘Love You Forever’, one of those songs that if you don’t pay much attention you might miss the jaw-dropping details. Filled with groove and swagger, it’s got distorted guitars with dirty riffs and an amazing drum beat expertly paired with vocals that deliver beautiful, lovely, and vulnerable, yet uncomplicated lyrics.
The lyrics to ‘Make It Up As You Go Along’ are such a vibe for me. They got me giggling a bit. A stylish guitar takes you into the journey of chaotic acceptance, honesty, and reaffirmation. Short and to the point, there’s nothing pretentious about it.
‘You’re Not The Only One’ starts keeping in line with the blues infusion, moving into a blend of rock and psychedelia. This is another incredible shining moment for Squire. The song that has the most amazing guitar solos in the album. Literal nose-scrunching chills.
Then we have ‘I’m So Bored’, kicking off with a wall of sound in the form of guitar riffs and thumping drums. It’s so energetic, and even though the lyrics may throw you off a bit, there’s a point driven across in such a creative manner. I think the pair’s expertise and musicianship really shines through on this one.
The closing track, ‘Mother Nature’s Song’, is an emotional, sweet song about contemplation. Something that definitely brings out feelings of inner growth and overcoming. The melody is so chill with beautiful guitar. You can almost picture yourself frolicking in nature and forgetting all your troubles. A good way to calm down the excitement and urgency brought upon the previous tracks. Chill AF.
There was a lot of expectation and anticipation for this album, from wanting it to be a completely life changing experience akin to some sort of spiritual awakening to those who want an actual Oasis and Stone Roses mashup. Both parties will be disappointed I’m afraid. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Life changing albums are rare and sometimes they are not even the best ones. It just happens and there’s no forcing that. On the other hand, why would you expect some of the same things just mashed together when you can listen to something brand new?
I guess people of a certain age (perhaps especially men) tend to become boring, and angry (you can pat the patriarchy on the back for that one), so some of the opinions and other reviews I’ve seen are filled with an undercurrent of animosity at not getting what they wanted. It’s been brilliant to read those. In my opinion the album’s failure to procure either the highest praise or something to truly rant about is where its genius lies.
If you ask me, mixed reactions after all these years in the scene means you’ve definitely done something right. It’s fucking epic. And they know it.
Indie Dependent 
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