www.ianmcnabb.com [Release date 05.03.21]
Utopian is the final part of a trilogy Ian McNabb began with ‘Star Smile Strong’ (2017), and continued with ‘Our Future In Space’ (2018).
Recording took on a very different approach during 2020’s global pandemic, with many of the tracks initially being laid down in Ian’s home studio ‘Nabby Road’. When restrictions permitted (briefly) during last summer, the album was properly recorded at Parr Street studios, Liverpool; with mixing and mastering then being affected again by further lockdowns.
Despite all of these potential obstacles we now have this double album to enjoy. As it is a double album it takes a few plays for the full effect of the music and songs to sink in, which in itself is no bad thing. There are no fillers on here either, as you can hear each song has been lovingly crafted and recording.
Highlights come thick and fast, with the opener ‘Boy’ quite possibly one of the best songs Ian McNabb has recorded to date. The song sees him in the present day giving advice to his younger self and/or a musician starting out. It has it all, from the sumptuous musical backing through to the lyrics and vocal performance. Songs like this are why me and countless others love listening to music, a truly emotional experience on this one.
‘Harry Dean Stanton’ is almost a spoken word tribute to an actor and performer who you may not know the name, but you will recognise his face from the many films and TV shows he has appeared in. He worked right up until his death aged 91 in 2017.
It is the musical variety on ‘Utopian’ that makes it another ‘must have’. Be it the 70’s West Coast feel on ‘Mesmerised’, the hard edged rocking on ‘Deserter’ (recalling his excellent ‘Head Like A Rock’ album), the reflective ‘Great Spirit’, or the gentle, piano led ‘The Old Grey Lady’.
‘We’re Never Gonna To Grow Up’ is an excellent refrain to live by! A proper floor filler, with a funky beat and sax break solo from Bobby Bilsborough. On this, and indeed throughout the album, Ian McNabb shows he is no slouch as a guitarist either. Plenty of seemingly effortless solos only help to enrich the listening experience of the album.
‘Jivin’ Miss Daisy’ is another one to get the old dancing shows out for. Rock ‘n’ rolling and jiving its way into your consciousness, what a tune!
Double albums often see artists come unstuck with either a lack of decent songs to fill four sides/two discs, or indulging too much at melody’s expense. No need to worry on ‘Utopian’ as Ian McNabb shows no sign of dropping his high quality control on his songs. Fans will love this and if you have yet to enjoy the musical world of Mr McNabb here is a perfect opportunity to do so.
An album of the year with ease. ****1/2
Review by Jason Ritchie
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Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025
SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)
RED GIANT Free Me (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
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