ALBUM REVIEW
Artist: Shoes4Brakes
Album: The Winner Stays On
Reviewer: Stuart Todd
Shoes4Brakes are a lively acoustic duo, featuring lead singer and guitarist Gareth Jones and cajôn/percussionist and backing singer Simon Hadfield. Since the two came together in 2012, Shoes4Brakes have steadily built up a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts on the Liverpool acoustic scene.
Recorded with Jon Lawton at Crosstown Studios, The Winner Stays On is a strong debut, filled with memorable songs and spirited performances.
Highlights include hard driving numbers such as Tell Me and The Flame. The blend of acoustic guitar and cajôn is effective on Icarus, an epic track that builds momentum, while Hold Me Down, benefits from the inclusion of mandolin by James Addis. Lights Go Down catches them in a quieter moment.
The highlight of the album for me has to be the catchy Minnesota, a number that’s proved to be popular at their gigs. The epic title track brings the album to a spirited conclusion. Overall a strong debut that captures the energy of their live sets.
The impressive sleeve design by Lynda Munday is an added incentive to buy this release on CD.
The Winner Stays On is published by Addistock Records and is available to buy online from Amazon and BandCamp.
Review © 2015 Stuart Todd – Liverpool Acoustic
Shoes4Brakes
facebook – facebook.com/Shoes4Brakes
twitter – @Shoes4Brakes
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Album review: Shoes4Brakes – The Winner Stays On
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Is the album available as a physical cd?
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Yes john you can order one from James Addis or we will have the last few copies on us at any of our gigs. Cheers
Physical copies can be ordered here, along with our other releases. http://addistock.bigcartel.com/products
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Love Minnesota too <3
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This is a fantastic CD – album, crammed with upbeat, high energy songs. Gareth and Simon really rock together and it makes great listening. Songs are all up to the mark with no album track fillers in sight. My iPod testifies to how good this album is, as Shoes4Brakes ‘The Winner Stays On’ is on repeat, and repeat, and repeat. Highly recommended, you won’t be disappointed.