Rockstar Reviewer

 Words by Anselm Anderson Last month, British singer/songwriter Chris Riley released his sophomore solo album Echoes in a Gloaming  via Nice Mind Records. 'Echoes in the Gloaming' is the follow-up to 2020's Cestrian, Echoes It is an eclectic collection of thirteen personal tracks based on Riley's experiences and inner thoughts. The blend of 60's-inspired pop intersperses with folk ballads and instrumental tracks to create a heartwarming album for these winter months. Rambling Man's Reviews  has previously featured Chris Riley in his other bands, The False Poets and The Support Band,  which focus more on folk and atmospheric material. Riley wrote and recorded most of the tracks here, which gives the album an intimate appeal, through acoustic and electric guitar. The variety of tracks kicks off with the 60's jingly pop of "Kicking On", followed by softer ballads like "Fine Day" and "Another You", which set the tone through visc...

Words by Anselm Anderson Nice Mind Records presents a pleasant treat from North-East singer/songwriter Chris Riley- lead singer of The False Poets- with 'Making Waves', the first track taken from his upcoming solo album, entitled Echoes in the Gloaming, which is due out this summer. The track has nice acoustics and deft touches on the guitar, making it an easy-listening folk song for the summer. I have previously reviewed the past couple of albums for The False Poets, but Riley reverts to a laid-back approach. The introductory slide guitar merged with delicate fingerpicking, creates a rhythmic cascade reminiscent of undulating waves. Riley's warm and welcoming voice sweeps across the music like a surfer riding the sea waves. The production helps elevate the sound like the listener is sitting next to the musician performing the track. Each note strummed is crystal clear and allows the listener to get lost in the track. Chris Riley has released a couple of other tracks to acc...

Words by Anselm Anderson English Songwriter Chris Riley of The False Poets has been busy this year with two lengthy releases from his side project entitled The Support Band.  I have chosen to review the shortest of the two Oceans of the Moon , released in May via Nice Mind Records. The Five-Track EP clocks in at One hour and three minutes and sees Riley team up with experimental noise maker Whitevanperil . The spacey release is an appetiser for the debut LP Imitations, released in June. Oceans of the Moon  is a giant step away from the '60s-influenced folk of The False Poets. Instead, it takes the listener on a crescendo of instrumental melodies entwined with blues, folk, and ambience, which will delight fans of Pink Floyd and Tangerine Dream. The echoes of washed-up waves awaken our senses on the opener 'Oceans of the Moon (Remix), which excites in evoking the sounds of early Pink Floyd. The guitar interplays with excellent production to create a sense of longing. Next...