Joe Symes and the Loving Kind, a trio of musicians from the Northwest that take great pride in their independent sound, not only churning out catchy, memorable songs, they also cater for a wide audience from all walks of life.

The eclectic flawless band bring a great range of versatility musically, with the band consisting of Joe Symes, Colin White and Andy Cleary, has not only seen their music played at Liverpool Football Club’s ground Anfield, but was also a three-week feature on BBC Introducing.

The band’s self-titled debut album released on their own record label, Truly Independent Records contains a mixture of their musical talents bringing songs of rock, psychedelic, dah-dah, easy listening, country and movie soundtrack variety. Two tracks appeared on the Charity Compilation Shoulder to Shoulder, alongside tracks by Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, Roger McGuinn (The Byrds), Robyn Hitchcock, Noel Gallagher, Peter Noone (Herman’s Hermits) and Wishbone Ash.

The diversity of the band is shown in how they can play compositions from heavy electric guitars and pounding drums, to the mellow tones of acoustic guitars and various forms of percussion and other instrumentation.

The band have not only gained major airplay and radio sessions in the U.K, but also all around the world; predominantly in the U.S, Canada and Australia. Feeling most at home is when their live performances take place, the band’s impressive CV has seen them sharing the bill headlining Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds After-show Party twice on the main stage of the Liverpool O2 Academy, supporting The Blockheads, Dodgy, XTC, Republica, Alt-J, Bloc Party, Starsailor and The Christians, being part of the Hillsborough Truth & Justice concert at the Royal Court Theatre Liverpool.

Joe Symes and the Loving Kind has a resume of awe-inspiring audiences, with performances at venues and festivals right across the U.K. including Manchester, Glasgow, Cheshire, Sheffield, Wigan, Nottingham, Shrewsbury, Northwich, Leicester, Wigan, Crewe, Stoke, Blackpool, London, Stoke-on-Trent and various parts of the North and South Wales.

With the recent launch of their new album “Phase II” the songs bring an array of sleek harmonies, bouldering beats and some heavy hard rock sounds. The album recorded in studios including Parr Street Studios and the Motor Museum Liverpool, has resulted in some finely tuned tracks.

For further information visit www.joesymesandthelovingkind.co.uk

Merseyside is revered for its music and in recent years we’ve seen a real surge in quality bands coming through. La Vida Liverpool Bands is a series that brings you the best local bands — from ones you may know to up and coming ones to watch out for. If you’re looking to discover a new band and find out about more about them such as their biography, music videos and gig details, then check out La Vida Liverpool Bands as we introduce you to the best bands Merseyside has to offer. In this piece, we focus on Joe Symes And The Loving Kind.

Joe Symes And The Loving Kind have been receiving rave reviews both locally and internationally and were described by the late Beatles manager and Merseybeat promoter, Sam Leach, as being one of the most exciting bands to come out of Liverpool. The trio have headlined Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds’ Afterparty at the Liverpool O2 Academy twice, supporting the likes of The Blockeads, Dodgy and Starsailor, and had two of their tracks included on the Charity Compilation Shoulder to Shoulder alongside tracks by the likes of Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene and Noel Gallagher.

Formed and based in Liverpool, the band (consisting of Joe Symes, Colin White, and Andy Cleary) released a debut album with a self named title via their own record label, Truly Independent Records, that received global acclaim. This was followed by the energetic rock orientated double A side single Things Get Better/I’m Gonna Find Out Someday and the single was not only played during half time at Liverpool Football Club’s ground on several occasions, but was a three-week feature on BBC Introducing.

We catch up with the band following the release of their second album, Phase II — a ten track rock classic that took place in several locations such as Peter Gabriel’s Solid State Logic Studios, Oxfordshire, the Motor Museum, Liverpool and Parr Street Studios. The new album is already receiving rave reviews and the band has plans for this to be a big hitter internationally. Here’s our exclusive interview following the album’s release:

LVL: So what have you guys been up to in 2018?

Joe: We have been touring, we have a new album out called ‘Phase II.’ We have been doing media interviews, radio sessions, festivals, justs been really busy as always.

Colin: The whole year’s been a big build up to the release of the new album.

Andy: All sorts. Touring, recording, and finishing the album.

LVL: What’s the new album all about?

Colin: To me, it’s a great collection of catchy, uptempo songs that leaves the listener wanting more.

Andy: Breaking away from the mellow side, and showing we can also rock.

Joe: For me, the new album is about the next chapter of the band, also for anyone who knows the band and our songs I think it can relate to anyone who has had major changes in their lives if you listen to the songs.

LVL: What’s your favourite track from the new album, and why?

Andy: Summer’s Almost Coming, and Hopeful Hearts. They give me a buzz to play, and to listen to.

Joe: I love them all, I couldn’t pick a favourite song if I’m honest.

Colin: Tough one. It could change all the time. I don’t think I can just pic one. I love them all.

LVL: How would you describe yourself as a band?

Joe: Very honest because the songs are real, and have meaning.

Colin: A well organised power trio that – according to someone who saw us once – has the force of nine people on stage.

Andy: Three equals who don’t conform to the norm.

LVL: Who are your favourite Scouse band since The Beatles?

Andy: Space are cool guys. Gigged with them a while back, and they are really cool guys. But there are a lot of up and coming bands flying the scouse flag up and down the country.

Colin: I do like Echo and the Bunnymen. They has this great dark psychedelic sound. I think there is a little of their influence in us.

Joe: Echo and the Bunnymen.

LVL: You guys have done a lot of touring…..where’s your favourite place to have played?

Colin: I can’t really pick one. I enjoy the whole travelling process, and everywhere we play.

Joe: All the date we have played including festivals have been great, the feedback has been awesome. Really can’t complain.

Andy: I enjoy playing anywhere as long as the vibe is good.

LVL: When can we see you in Liverpool next?

Joe: It will be in the new year. We will be announcing dates in January for 2019.

Andy: It’ll be next year now. Got loads out of town .

Colin: Yeah, the next local gig will be announced as soon as it’s confirmed.

LVL: What are your plans for 2019?

Andy: Promos, gigs, gigs, gigs, couple of new releases. Rock ‘n’ Roll!

Joe: We are looking at rehearsing some stand alone singles. Hopefully start work on our third album, playing festivals, making some videos to go with the new album, but still lots to do in the new year.

Colin: Yeah, just continuing the album promotion until about the Autumn. What have we got planned next? You’ll have to wait and see.

Justin Hopper

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.