Album review: STEVIE JONES & THE WILDFIRES – Getting There

Website [Release date 16.08.24]

Stevie Jones (vocals, acoustic guitar) is joined by the three piece Wildfires – Alfie Dabrowski (guitar), Bob Dabrowski (bass) & Dave Carter (drums) – for album number three under this name. They are joined by special guests guitarist Mark Gill and vocalist Jodie Erica.

As with their two previous albums ‘Getting There’ was recorded at Deadline Studios, Leicester with producer and musical collaborator Adam Ellis.

Initially intended as an acoustic solo EP the ideas expanded in the studio and took them in a slightly different direction, resulting in this eight song conceptual album.

As Stevie Jones explain: “It’s a roller coaster journey through romance, anxiety and recovery – anyone who has been through that cycle will be able to relate it. Some of the most emotional songs I’ve ever put down.”

The stand out is the opening song, ‘So Far East’, from the beautiful acoustic and electric guitar playing through to the sound effects, it makes for compelling listening. Totally different in tempo and style is the next song, ’14 Days That Followed A Supermoon’, is a upbeat piece of alt pop rock. Little wonder it was released as the single off the album.

The spoken word/poetry of ‘Threshold’ leads into another upbeat moment, ‘Skeleton Trees’ and again the guitars are spot on. Reminded me a little of New Model Army and the Levellers.

The album features two covers. First up ‘Trumpets’, originally by the Waterboys and a band whose sound can be heard at times throughout the course of the album. The other cover is ‘Waiting’, which was originally recorded by City and Colour, a Canadian artist, new to this reviewer, who has released seven studio albums to date and worthy of further investigation based on this cover version.

An engrossing listen and one that resonates more with the listener after each repeated listen. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

Album review (Clarity In Dusk, 2023)

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 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)