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Artist – Mike West
Album – The Next Life
Released – 7th August 2020
Reviewer – Stuart Todd, Liverpool Acoustic
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The Next Life is the long-awaited debut album by Mike West, following on from his live debut EP ‘Rusted’ (2017).
A consummate live performer, I had the honour of sharing the bill with the artist when we supported The Goat Roper Rodeo Band at 81 Renshaw last year for a Heaven’s Gate event. Soon after I made a point of catching Mike perform a solo set at Outpost.
The Next Life has been described as the culmination of a personal and musical growth, which began when he started performing as a solo artist in 2016. Inspired by the likes of Kris Kristofferson, Blind Willie Johnson, Son House, Johnny Cash and Howlin’ Wolf; the artist weaves a unique acoustic blend of Country, Folk, Hard Rock and Blues.
Opening with the title track, Mike bares his soul with a no-nonsense approach of personal reflections.
The album release was preceded by the excellent single Rock Ferry, reflecting his Wirral roots. The opening line“I’m not ashamed of where I’m from but I ain’t exactly proud” sets the tone for an emotional journey, which culminates with the haunting final line in which he states; “This is where I was born but it’s not where I’ll die.” The pedal steel and fiddle provide an effective counter point on what is undoubtedly the highlight of the album.
Mike West is a raw talent; whose voice has a deep grit that resonates strongly on the material. Whether it be the bluesy lament of ‘Work On’ or the country folk of ‘Father To Son’, West engages the listener with a raw yet warm intensity. That warmness is particularly evident on the aforementioned ‘Rock Ferry’, ‘For Them’ and ‘What If’, a tender ballad with a tasteful string arrangement.
The closing track ‘No Grave’ is an epic sermon, which benefits from some heavy acoustic strumming and harmonica.
In a nutshell, The Next Life is a solid and assured debut by a promising artist.
Stuart Todd
Review © 2020 Stuart Todd, Liverpool Acoustic
The Next Life was released on 7th August 2020 and is available to stream and buy using the links at linktr.ee/mike333west
The album is also available on limited edition vinyl and CD from Bandcamp.
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Mike West
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