When last we left Joe Symes and Colin White they had just finished their last EP titled ‘Acoustic Variations Volume II‘. And now they are back with the next evolution in their revolution with a full change of path with their new album ‘Phase II‘. When I say ‘change of path’, I don’t mean that lightly. This is almost a completely new band. With a new, heavier sound, within is still the core styles that make up the band from birth, however. The roots are still solid but the branches are harder and the leaves are fuller. Just check out the sample song, ‘Summer’s Almost Coming’,  below the interview for proof.

This time around, we talk with Joe and Colin about how their evolution led to this new place and their current tour and plans, the story behind the album and it’s artwork, as well as a glimpse into their future.

Get your copy of ‘Phase II’ HERE.

About Joe Symes & the Loving Kind
Joe Symes & the Loving Kind are a three-piece band from Liverpool, UK, and consist of Joe Symes (vocals, guitar, harmonica),  Andy Cleary  (bass guitar), and Colin White (drums, percussion).
After finishing an 11-month tour of the UK in November 2017 the band finished recording their second album at Peter Gabriel’s Solid State Logic Studio’s in Oxfordshire July 2018 and are now touring the UK to promote ‘Phase II,’ which was releaseSeptemberer 28th 2018.

LINKS:
https://joesymesandthelovingkind.co.uk
https://twitter.com/JoeSymesandTLK
https://www.facebook.com/joesymesandthelovingkindUK
https://www.reverbnation.com/1joesymes

Joe Symes and the Loving Kind is a three-piece alternative rock outfit from Liverpool, UK. They first emerged on the British music scene with the release of their debut album, the self-titled Joe Symes and the Loving Kind, in 2013. A few singles and EPs, and many live gigs later, the band is back with their new album-length release, Phase II.

Musically, Joe Symes and the Loving Kind seem to owe a lot to the Britpop sound. Certainly, their northwest England roots would perhaps lean them that way. With guitar hooks and sing-able choruses abounding, the first half of Phase II is replete with energy and raw power. But is this too much of a good thing?

With the radio-friendly second track “All Of The Things We Said” being the exception, there is a certain sameness to the instrumentation and song structure of the first part of this album that becomes a bit too familiar by the fourth song. Thankfully, the intensity of the power-wash guitars is broken up by a breath of fresh air in the form of the song, “Hopeful Hearts” – a well-produced melodic gem with sweet harmonies and strong Beatles/pop vibe. Interestingly, this song makes way for later hidden treasures, which are arguably more musically happening than the first few songs on the album. Notably, the dynamic build and musical colouring of “Summer’s Almost Coming” and the beautifully off-kilter XTC-like guitar intro of “Shine Tonight” are standout tracks which do not appear until the final third of the album.

With the understanding that an album is a musical calling card, the first few songs represent this band well, in terms of showcasing the energy of their live show. Still, part of me would like to hear further exploration into the diverse sounds and songwriting which are presented in the second half of this recording, and less of the verse/chorus/verse domination of the earlier tunes.

Phase II a solid effort from an extremely tight band, and it includes many inspired performances. Such a strong showing this time out makes the listener keen to hear what Joe Symes and the Loving Kind will come up with next.

“Finally it was the turn of Headliners, Joe Symes and the Loving Kind. A homecoming gig to offer a preview of their album ‘Phase ll” released this September 28th. I had spoken with Joe a few weeks previously and covered lots of areas, such as music polarisation in the city, the lack of cohesive ‘scenes,” and how the band have found more success away from Liverpool, touring most of the year, here and abroad. Spending time in the studio, and the development of their music. Joe mentioned that the new album had an edgier sound and would surprise a few people.
Tonight the band delivered on Joe’s words, with aplomb. Their set was tight with every song literally being left on the stage. The guys gave everything and it showed. There were traces of that britpop/Mod background which you would expect from a band that contained Joe, but this added a depth and quality to the songs, but the band where all about these new songs. Songs that grabbed the attention, got you dancing, got you rocking out. This was an edgier, bit wilder, more feral loving kind. As if they’d kick you if you didn’t love them back.
This is a band that has supported the likes of The Blockheads, Republica, Bloc Party, Starsailor and Dodgy and XTC etc. They have headlined at O2 Academy 1 for Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds Aftershow…Twice. They have done the graft, and hopefully this will be the album that lifts them back into the consciousness of this City. On the basis of this gig, they can stand on any stage with anyone.”