Artist – Thom Morecroft
Single – The Beast
Released – 12th February 2021
Reviewer – Stuart Todd, Liverpool Acoustic
The last time I caught up with Thom Morecroft, he was launching his album The Feng Shui and The Sushi at Studio 2, Parr Street at the end of 2019. It seems like a lifetime ago with everything that’s been going on. That hasn’t stopped Thom from being active online. He’s been learning to play every Beatles song that’s ever been recorded and making YouTube videos for them on a regular basis. Of course, Thom has also had a hand in organising the Beatles album anniversary events at LEAF on Bold Street with fellow artist Roxanne De Bastion.
Back to his original music and the Shrewsbury born singer-songwriter presents us with The Beast, a live recording that served as his finale from his album launch at Studio 2. When I first heard the track previewed on the Chris Currie Show for Mersey Radio, I had no idea it was a live recording until the audience applauded at the end. That just goes to show how well recorded the track is and how well the song works in a live setting.
Thom describes The Beast as a personal story of family alcoholism and mistaken identity. Sound wise we’re in Ray LaMontagne territory with an emotionally charged solo performance that has raw power and intensity. The hybrid vocal scream towards the end hints at the emotion of the subject matter. Music writer Paul Du Noyer has described the performance as “that killer finale” and I think many listeners will echo those sentiments.
The Beast by Thom Morecroft is an epic foray into the dark frontiers of emotional despair that serves as an important moment in the personal journey of the artist.
Stuart Todd
Review © 2021 Stuart Todd, Liverpool Acoustic
The Beast was released by 9×9 Records on 12th February and is available to download from all good digital music sites.
It’s also available on 7″ vinyl from 9×9 Records and thommorecroft.com