“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.”