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
A vibrant and uplifting album, Brothers and Sisters, pump up the volume!
With this album No Spill Blood have pushed themselves hard to create some punishing ultra-heavy music that richly rewards repeat plays.
dEUS have certainly matured with age and this album’s strength is more to do with the luscious arrangements, though there are some great songs too.
Love in the Void is a warm and luminescent record to enjoy in the midst of winter.
Fucked Up have opted to throw caution to the wind with Oberon. I might just let this one fly away.
Focus on the best songs and The Pink Album delivers up some excellent and unique retro pop songs that sound like no-one else.
This is the sound of a band at the absolute height of their musical ability reaching far into the depths of their creative minds. Banefyre is a vital record for these terrible times.
Ever Crashing is bursting with brilliant melodies and is a mesmerising triumph against adversity.
Gnosis finds Russian Circles in merciless mood and is one their finest albums.
XI: Bleed Here Now sounds absolutely immense and finds the band’s creative fire is very much still burning brightly.
Mirrorcell is Greg Puciato’s most accomplished recording to date and a definite contender for album of the year.
A long time in the making, Sun’s Signature is a glorious and magical collection of songs bursting with mesmerising detail and enchanting sounds.
Dälek have just taken all of the world’s ills and produced one of modern hip hop’s most challenging and important albums.
Bella Pacifica is truly a great, life affirming album and it’s great to have Axis Of back.
Everything was beautiful and with this Spiritualized album, for 44 minutes, everything still is…
Catch them now while you can in smaller venues because Pillow Queens are destined to be filling arenas before very long.
Immutable is an absolute masterclass in musicianship and is undoubtedly a modern metal classic.
Once again, And So I Watch You From Afar have continued to evolve their musical vision and created another outstanding body of work.
A wonderful album of Nick Cave covers and I look forward to future collaborations between Nell and The Flaming Lips.
The sheer intensity and power of the music is wonderfully encapsulated by Anna’s truly mesmerising vocals and delivery. A stunning recording from start to finish.
One of modern rock’s best kept secrets have just released one of their best albums yet.