There Ain’t No Rain On This Parade…

Liam Frost – We Ain’t Got No Money, Honey, But We Got Rain (PIAS/Emperor)
September 28th, 2009
5.4/6.0

It was a sad day for many when the news came out that Lavolta had turned down Liam Frost’s sophomore record. His 2006 debut Show Me How The Spectres Dance was perfectly formed, a collection of songs Manchester could be truly proud of, and upon listening to his second effort, it seems baffling that the comeback wasn’t deemed to be of the same quality.

There were rumours that having poured out so much heartache on Spectres, Liam no longer had anything to say, though listening to We Ain’t Got No Money, Honey, But We Got Rain this couldn’t be further from the truth. Opening with lead single Held Tightly In Your Fist is a brave move. The first of this new batch of songs to be written, Liam has been playing this live since mid-2007, making it by far the most well known track on offer here. Far from overshadowing the album though, this opener is both bold and confident. Frosty’s back, and he wants you to pay attention.

From here on in this is a mostly soulful affair, more tempered and mature than Spectres, but full of heart and lyrical dexterity seldom seen (and rarely bettered) amongst his peers. Two Hearts is a case in point with the irresistible line “# We are the architects of our own disaster #”. It’s this way with words and his innate understanding of linguistic tempo that makes Liam’s work such a delight, improving with each and every listen.

From the simple, melodic pop of Good Things and his collaboration with Martha Wainwright, Your Hand In Mine, to the more recognisable tortured vocal of Younger Boys, Older Girls with its bluesy brass and piano, there is plenty of variety here. Yet there are still threads which tie the whole thing together: heartfelt sincerity, and a celebration of emotion in all its forms. Liam, it’s wonderful to have you back.

words: Hannah Bayfield

Liam Frost presents an album launch show at London's Hoxton Bar and Kitchen on September 23rd.

www.liamfrost.co.uk
www.myspace.com/listentoliamfrost