Geoff Topley
Before I begin, can I just say I’m utterly hopeless at writing biographies, in all my years of knocking out CD-Rs under my many artistic guises I’ve never cobbled together a decent press release. Whether it be through shy modesty or plain embarrassment at blowing my own trumpet, I struggled when it came to self promotion. Just as well then that I’m not trying to inflict anything apon you here.
As you may have gathered, I’m a musician of sorts from Portadown. I’ve been floating in and around the Northern Irish music scene for over 20 years. (If you really want to know more about this aspect of my life, google me) In fact, it was through sending Dan my music that I came to know about Echoes and Dust.
I listen to a wide range of musical styles but my main interest is in instrumental rock/metal, dreampop/drone and I do have a leaning towards electronic music. My ears are very much tuned into melody, whatever the genre. Though I have a penchant for the extremities of Noise Rock/Hardcore when the mood takes me.
It’s been a lifelong ambition to write music reviews and I’m very grateful to have been given this opportunity.
Articles by Geoff Topley
When all around you turns to absolute shit, here’s a truly outstanding record that will wrap you in sunshine and make you feel alive.
It helps if you’re able to write great songs to sing and Howling Bells sure know their way round a melody.
You’ll maybe come away from this album with an overriding feeling of sorrow, but sometimes there’s joy to be had in the dark.
DREAMCRUSH is a triumphant, emotional and vibrant album that should bring the band many new fans with its perfect fusion of black metal and melody.
This is a seriously tight, energised and DOWNRIGHT FUCKING HEAVY album to get 2026 off to a cracking start.
In terms of atmospherics and sonic experimentation, this album is a startling and inventive collaboration from two creative forces.
Every now and then a record like this comes along to completely stop you in your tracks and it’s impossible not to fall in love with such enchanting music.
The musicianship is incredible and every song is a journey traversing a multitude of styles, there is much to enjoy.
Blight is another little gem to add to the treasure box of music from The Antlers. A perfect companion to a warm fire on a cold winter’s evening.
The Spiritual Sound finds this most curious of bands push boundaries with vibrant ideas, a penchant for extreme noise and sublime melodies. Dig in.
Even after all these years Paradise Lost sound vital, and the playing and songwriting on this album shows a band still creating mighty fine metal.
Mixing up a multitude of styles and genres, this album is ten raucous blasts of punk n’ rap n’ metal, and one dreamy Chelsea Wolfe duet.
Atomicult is a no messin’ superheavy blast of big filthy riffs and quality tunes.
Giants & Monsters is a cracking metal album bursting with big tunes that transported me back to better times.
Stay is one-part curiosity piece, one-part essential art, and it makes perfect sense to me.
Flux is another set of glorious pop songs to add to her wonderful back catalogue.
Machina Kore have created an impressive debut album that is full of melodic hooks, intelligent song writing and technical musicianship.
Reveries is an outstanding collection that will be revered in years to come. A contender for album of the year.
Overall, Landscape From Memory is a lush sounding album carefully constructed and highly polished.
Despite the tragic circumstances, once again BC Camplight has created an extravagant and utterly enchanting suite of songs.
Settle back and let underhand work their magic on you. This is seriously good music.
