Liverpool’s Bluenose B revisits his band’s 1990 album and rekindles the spirit of an era.  Chiming, jangling guitars, soaring solos, bouncy tunes and self-effacing lyrics: What’s not to like?

THE BLUENOSE B STORY

His mother knows him as Stephen Lawson but, since the mid-1980s, he’s been ploughing a musical furrow under the nom-de-guerre of Bluenose B.  Back in those days, he was the frontman of the Liverpool band of that name and, when the members of the four-piece band went their separate ways, Stephen bagged the moniker for himself.

Back in the day, Bluenose B(the band) were central players in Liverpool’s thriving indie scene.  They attracted an enviable following and even came to the attention of the great John Peel himself.  Stephen has never lost his indie-pop sensibilities and for the past 10 years or so, he’s been applying those sensibilities to his work as a solo artist.  He’s also formed a productive partnership with John Kettle – guitarist with ATB faves Merry Hell – and John’s prompting has played a key role Truth Is King, the new Bluenose B album.

And that’s only the beginning of this particular story…

AN ALBUM REVISITED

Back in 1990, Bluenose B released their album, American Gigolo, on Liverpool label Audio Visual.  Over the years since then, Stephen has honed his musical vision and developed his studio expertise and he’s decided that now is the time to revisit that album and to – hopefully – produce the album that he’d hoped to achieve all those years ago.  Truth Is King is that reimagined album.

With a few notable exceptions, including the title track – which is a recent composition – Truth Is King re-presents American Gigolo in the same running order – and it’s a delight.  With chiming, jangling guitars, soaring solos, bouncy tunes and self-effacing lyrics, Truth is King re-kindles the spirit of the mid-late 1980s and pulls the occasional rabbit from a paisley-festooned late-60s hat.  Be of no doubt – there’s plenty to enjoy here.

MY BEAUTIFUL CITY!

It’s the new title track, Truth Is King, that gets things moving.  Stephen came up with the song as he was driving to the studio to add the finishing touches to the new album.  Inspired – or disgusted – by hearing the news that Donald Tr*mp had granted a pardon to a convicted criminal on the basis of his personal relationship with the felon, Truth is King arrived fully formed in Stephen’s mind.  It was recorded the same day.  Its sharp, choppy guitars, jangly lead and punchy drums set the template that remains solidly in place for the whole album.  Stephen’s lyrical message: “Let the light shine, let the sky clear.  Let its voice call, let our ears hear: Let the birds sing – Truth Is King,” is short, direct and so very accurate.

Many of Stephen’s bright tunes evoke those famed blue suburban skies of Liverpool, and that’s definitely the case for American Gigolo, the title track to the original album.  His lyrics are often hilarious, too, as he demonstrates here with lines like: “I’m not an American Gigolo, but I’d like to jig with you all the same…”  He’s also good with Ray Davies-flavoured observational lyrics, a talent he exploits for the words to In The Evening – which he sings to a tasty backing of chimes, jangles and tight rhythms.

Stephen acknowledges the darker aspects of Liverpool life, with lines like: “Down in my city there are places where the sun never shines.  Down in my city, there are children waiting for the better time,” in Down In My City.  But it’s the upsides of Liverpool that win through in a song that’s overwhelmingly positive and upbeat, with the conclusion that Liverpool is: “My beautiful city!”

BOOTS, WHIPS AND CHAINS

Stay With Me is a fast-paced love song, with Stephen as self-critical as ever as he lists his faults before issuing an anguished plea for loyalty and commitment.  The pace is reined-in, though, for the intimate Prayer.  The guitar backing is satisfyingly chunky and Stephen’s voice is warm and welcoming, especially as he reaches the coda: “I’ll miss you when you’re gone – be my prayer.”

Things take a distinctly pervy turn for Hey Marianne, a sunny S&M anthem.  “Girl, you make me feel so bad – you’re the worst thing that I’ve had.  And I’ve had some low, low things – baby that’s the thing” is a mild example of graphic lyrics that make Venus in Furs seem tame by comparison.  And they make the dreamy, gentle Gunslinger – the song that follows – sound all the more tender…

SOUNDS OF ’66

The lighthearted Back to Bed edges into country-pop territory, without deviating from the album’s indie template, before Stephen really gets down to business with the excellent She’ll Do For Me – my pick of the whole bunch.  Whilst the majority of the songs on Truth is King are sonic recollections of the late 1980s, She’s Do For Me takes it cue from the heady days of 1966 and The Byrds.  The two interwoven guitars blend wonderfully with the resonant, loping bass and Stephen’s plaintive vocals, and the overall impact is blissful.  Why are Liverpool bands SO good at tunes like this one, I had to ask myself…

Written at the same time as the original album, but not included because: “…the band were unable to match how its writer wished it to be,” The Light Diminished is another album highlight.  Now reworked, it certainly does meet that lofty inspiration.  Clean and clear, it’s another song that seems to take its inspiration from The Byrds, with hints of psychedelia and folk mixed into the sound.

ALBUM LAUNCH SHOW

Truth is King is concluded by the edit of She’ll Do For Me that was used for the original album’s lead single.  It’s such a great song that nobody will mind it featuring again and its inclusion somehow completes a very engaging story.

To celebrate the launch of Truth Is King, Stephen has assembled a version of the Bluenose B band, including members of the original group alongside current companion John Kettle. The band are currently rehearsing the new versions of the songs – plus the new title track – ahead of a launch gig that will take place at Vanessa’s Bar in Crosby on Friday 20^th February.  If you happen to be in the area, I heartily recommend that you pop along. 

You can watch the official video to Truth is King – the album’s title track – via this link.

Bluenose B: Website

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