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
Insatiable is another defiant release from an exciting and talented artist.
This is a stunning and wondrously enchanting album, what a talent Nell Smith possessed.
Pulling in all the best bits from their previous albums and adding inventive dynamics, Deafheaven have created a masterpiece that is without question, a modern classic.
It’s good to hear Jim James soar once again and the choice cuts here are some of their best.
Here We Go Crazy is coated in a wonderful veneer that shines up close to the punk/pop perfection of Copper Blue.
Mogwai are absolute masters of their craft, this album is wondrously deceptive and ultimately ranks as one of their best.
There are many influences infiltrating Mur’s music, yet it all combines to make for a wonderful noise and a unique blend of atmospherics and punishing riffs.
Once again Crippled Black Phoenix have released another righteous and rocking collection to add to their already exceptional repertoire.
Mahashmashana has some of Tillman’s finest songs and the arrangements throughout are truly stunning.
This is an enjoyable and energetic collection of well sheened tracks that hit the spot with some lovely dynamics.
This album is really for fans of The Body, for they know what they’re getting into. Seriously UNCOMPROMISING.
It’s a brave step to come back with such a poignant and personal collection of songs but The Dance Hall is quite simply a beautiful gem of an album.
Cool World is undoubtedly going to enhance Chat Pile’s popularity as it’s a blistering riot of noise and melody.
A strangely absorbing listen if you just want to drop out of the rat race for an hour and chill the fuck out.
Here’s yet another remarkable collection of moving soundscapes that says so much without words.
White Roses, My God is a rarity in that it is an essential album, not necessarily for the music, more for the fact that it has to exist, to keep Alan Sparhawk continuing to create his wonderful art.
A Distant, Violent Shudder is a solid post-metal album and a mighty fine listen.
Born Horses is an elegant and magical album that only Mercury Rev could have made.
A Swarm of the Sun have created a stunning album of mesmerising music with a deft hand for creating emotive cinematic post-metal that should appeal to anyone who hears it.
This is another magical album from an artist who completely understands the power of minimalism.
It shimmers, it shines, it will destroy your ears and undoubtedly blow your mind.
