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
Literally a game of two halves, this release. For the Lightning Bolt half, it’s another blast of sublime aural extreme greatness.
This is at times a mournful listen, but the songs may offer a little hope to lost souls, with their ornate beauty.
This album truly lifted my spirit and is a contender for album of the year.
Sugar Horse pull off the unlikely feat of sounding like OMD and Ministry at the same time.
This is an intriguing experiment that could really transcend into something special.
This album truly delivers in terms of emotion and power. Their finest work to date.
I’ll call it out, dälek are quite simply the most exciting hip-hop act on the planet right now.
An Undying Love For A Burning World is a truly staggering album. A modern classic. An essential listen.
This album is a triumph against adversity and packs an emotional punch. Highly recommended.
As 2026 gets off to a truly abysmal start with world events, Weedpecker have arrived with a glorious and beautiful album to ease any troubled minds.
We Are Together Again finds Will Oldham on top form, the “we” referenced in the title appears to be heartfelt and exceedingly good songs.
GAEREA are a new band to me, they’ll soon be a new band to a lot more people with this captivating and brave album.
Matador keep the listener engaged as they combine weighty riffs with superb melodies.
With newfound interest in shoegaze from a generation who weren’t born when it first emerged, this album will surely be well received.
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.
