This is Lisa Cuthbert’s second album and she is joined by various guests including Sisters Of Mercy’s Dave Creffield (she’s appeared live with them) and she has supported Marillion.
The album is a moving concept piece based on the Magdalene Asylums in Ireland. These were run by the Catholic Church and took in ‘fallen’ women, for example illegitimate children or even those deemed to pretty.
The songs are told from various viewpoints including the victim, the mother and a bystander. Lisa Cuthbert has an angelic voice, soaring when needed with the opening song ‘Destitute’ a perfect example. It sees her vocal accompanied by a piano and some haunting soundscapes to present a bleak picture of the life faced by the women in these asylums. ‘The Sooner We Know’ and ‘Madame’s Secret Pain’ (if that song doesn’t move you then you then nothing will) recall Tori Amos and Clannad’s Marie Brennan, yes she’s that good folks.
A controversial subject to pick as the last of the asylums only closed back in 1996 and handled well by Lisa’s music and lyrics. Heartily recommended album from a rising star in female singer/songwriters.
****
Review by Jason Ritchie
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,
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Josh now hosts “Taerk’s Tracks” as part of the Singer Songwriter Sunday sequence on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio.
This is the first show broadcast on 27 September. Josh presents some of his inspirational artists and tracks.
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 27 September 2026.
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Power Plays w/c 26 October 2026
BLACK RIVER DELTA Shame On You (Despotz Records)
DAYTONA Listen To The Silence (Escape Music)
SUCKERTRAP Sacred Lies (indie)
WOOD BURNT RED Count My Blessings (indie)
BLACKLIST UNION Heavy Is The Crown (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 26 October 2026
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)
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