Geoff Topley

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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

Grails – Anches En Maat

Anches En Maat is an accomplished and brilliant album in terms of production and stunning arrangements.

Explosions In The Sky – End

After over 20 years of existence, it’s so good to hear Explosions In The Sky still creating glorious and exciting music and End is one of their finest albums to date.

Hatchet Field – The Magpie Never Wept

As the nights draw in, and the temperatures drop, these songs will warm your heart. Highly recommended.

The Handsome Family – Hollow

Hollow is a beautiful record bursting with character, stunning arrangements, and damn fine tunes.

The Burning Paris – Everything Is Broken & I Don’t Feel A Thing

If you were a fan of The Burning Paris first time round I daresay you’ll be thrilled for more recordings from the band.

Divide And Dissolve – Systemic

Systemic is concise and dynamically perfect and has to be played as loud as possible to truly experience its magnitude and power.

Less Bells – The Drowned Ground

This music is powerful and potent. It can lower heart rates and induce the most heartfelt emotions. Less Bells, that good.

Lanterns On The Lake – Versions Of Us

The time has come for Lanterns On The Lake to elevate to arena status, Versions Of Us is just exceptional, it really is.

JAAW – Supercluster

When you want to get a good buzz by blasting noisy heavy music, Supercluster is definitely a record to reach for.

Therapy? – Hard Cold Fire

Now in their fourth decade of existence Therapy? are still knocking out melodic and fiery short sharp shocks. Hard Cold Fire is an absolute triumph.

Spotlights – Alchemy For The Dead

With Alchemy For The Dead, Spotlights have added another mighty fine album to an already outstanding collection.

Silver Moth – Black Bay

Black Bay exists by chance, but given the people involved, there was no chance it wouldn’t be an amazing album. More please.

Steve Mason – Brothers & Sisters

A vibrant and uplifting album, Brothers and Sisters, pump up the volume!

No Spill Blood – Eye of Night

With this album No Spill Blood have pushed themselves hard to create some punishing ultra-heavy music that richly rewards repeat plays.

dEUS – How To Replace It

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.

Hammock – Love In The Void

Love in the Void is a warm and luminescent record to enjoy in the midst of winter.

Fucked Up – Oberon

Fucked Up have opted to throw caution to the wind with Oberon. I might just let this one fly away.

Unloved – The Pink Album

Focus on the best songs and The Pink Album delivers up some excellent and unique retro pop songs that sound like no-one else.

Crippled Black Phoenix – Banefyre

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.

SRSQ – Ever Crashing

Ever Crashing is bursting with brilliant melodies and is a mesmerising triumph against adversity.

Russian Circles – Gnosis

Gnosis finds Russian Circles in merciless mood and is one their finest albums.

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