RGG July 2016 - p.15
Verdict:
Experienced Birmingham RnB and
soul artist Cissy Stone releases 'Worth The Wait'
which boasts 10 very compelling tracks. The
song that really sold this album to me was
'Neither One Of Us'; after that played I was
hooked; a touching masterpiece of soul that
makes you think that cupid has given up archery
and decided use an assault rifle instead. Lyrics
such as “Every time I find the nerve to say
goodbye, those old memories get in my way” are
just so well executed by Cissy vocally. Other
highlights include the steamy 'Wanna Make
Love To You' and the reproductive organ
stretching 'Reach For You', with its exceptionally
hypnotic and technically capitulating bass guitar
work. This album as it plays gets stronger and
stronger; personally I'd have had the tracks in
the reverse order, as why wait til the end to hear
the amazing album closer 'What You Do To Me'?
That song without a doubt displays Cissy
Stone's beautiful vocal talents most and paired
with a gripping jazz solo it's not rocket science;
by rocket science I'm not suggesting that NASA
could make a soul album; saying that, Cissy
Stone is a more convincing star than any of their
moon landing photos. 'Worth The Wait' is very
worthy and don't wait too long to buy it if you
value your soul.
CISSY STONE
Album:
Worth TheWait
www
facebook com/cissy stone
Verdict:
Wolverhampton is known for rocking,
but four-piece Seventh Syndicate who hail from
the city are making sure we don't forget just that
with this dazzling 4 track EP release. First of all
there are some massive influences here on
display; most noticeably the Red Hot Chili
Peppers being a major one but Seventh
Syndicate sound totally different to them at the
same time if that makes any sense at all. 'This
Time' feels like Anthony Kiedis is jamming with
Bloc Party whilst 'Trippy' (arguably the strongest
song) comes across as a kind of Kings Of Leon
and Supergrass crossbreed fused with the
commercial sounding vocal hooks of Kiedis.
Whilst opener 'Deborah' is really Brit pop and
maybe even a little Muse-esque rock; aimed I
assume at radio; I feel that the song which will
give the band the most success and potential
radio play has to be the amazing EP closer
'Today'; this is a brilliant tune; the lyrics are
uplifting; it rocks but it's not too heavy for airplay;
a chorus which large crowds will chant. Vocalist
John Lowe cites artists such as Lou Reed as his
inspiration; I think if he continues to perform the
way he currently is then he'll be having his own
name cited by emerging artists. This EP is
catchier than a Wimbledon ball boy armed with
a giant velcro fish net.
SEVENTH SYNDICATE
EP:
Seventh Syndicate
www
seventhsyndicate com
album
month
of
the
NICK
J
TOWNSEND
r
gg
21
YEARS
1995-2016
