Album review: SIMON COLLINS – Becoming Human

September 23rd, 2020 by jason

Frontiers [Release date 04.09.20]

Fourth solo album by Simon Collins and his first since leaving Sound Of Contact, on whose 2013 debut album ‘Dimensionaut’ he handled lead vocals. Simon Collins played drums and keys on this album, along with vocals. His main musical partner on this album is Robbie Bronnimann (keys, programming, sound design). They are joined by bassist Gaz Williams and guitarists Kelly Avril Nordstrom & Robin Boult (Fish, Lifesigns, Tilt).

Like his father Phil Collins, Simon Collins knows how to pen memorable, melody filled songs such as the title track and ‘No Love’ (shades of Coldplay on this one). Elsewhere there is an EDM/electronica sound on many songs including the glorious sounds and effects on ‘I Will Be Waiting’ and ‘Universe Inside Of Me’, which with its layers of effects is very Frost*-like.

Robbie Bronnimann, who has worked with Howard Jones for many years, has a big influence on the album’s sound which is very synth/electronica based. Those after something similar to Sound Of Contact will enjoy ‘Thoughts Become Matter’ three songs on here co-written with former bandmate Dave Kerzner.

Lyrically it doesn’t pull any punches either as ‘Living In Silence’ and ’40 Years’ demonstrate. He has a soothing vocal that can rise in power required as on the darker tones of ‘Dead Ends’. The synths and arrangements on this one are perfect for an immersive headphones treat.

Melodic, progressive with plenty of electronica and headphones moments, what’s not to like? ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 November 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 29 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)