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
Edinburgh’s Delta Mainline are back after a six year break with more sublime dreamy psychedlic pop and a contender for album the year.
An extremely accomplished collection, enhancing Spotlights back catalogue and very much worthy of your attention.
With their fifth album Noctiluca, Helms Alee have served up yet another excellent selection of melody and mayhem.
Greek American artist Ioanna Gika is a remarkable emerging talent and Thalassa is a stunning debut album.
Brutus have definitely not disappointed with their follow-up album. This is powerful, emotional and magnificent music. Play it loud!
Idlewild return with album number eight and an expansion of their trademark sound into soul territory with mixed results.
Sigils’ debut is a fine collection of doom metal conveying grace, beauty and haunting melodies.
The first album in 19 years from Royal Trux is exactly what you would expect. Equal parts genius and trash.
A triumphant, beautiful, affecting, tragic but glorious collection from one of the world’s finest instrumental bands.
Edinburgh’s Pilotcan release their first album in 14 years and it’s well worth the wait.
Planet B bring the noise on their debut album of cacophonous industrial hip-hop.
You really do have to admire Spencer’s tenacity in spreading the rock n’ roll gospel as he sees fit. I guess I’m just not as receptive to hearing it as I used to be.
This Will Destroy You left their best new music for Part Two. Part One now makes more sense.
Vancouver’s We Hunt Buffalo ably match the creature they proudly claim to seek, in every way. Powerful, loud and fuzzy!
Join Cat Power on her road trip soundtracked by some wonderful songs from the heart.
Great Escape is a majestic album with a balance of heaviness and melancholic melodies which is nigh on perfect.
There are moments of splendour but ultimately This Will Destroy You’s fifth album underwhelms when compared to their previous work.
Another heavenly collection of heartfelt songs that embellish an already stellar back catalogue of greatness.
Norwegian post-rock specialists 1099 elevate their sound on third album ‘Blindpassasjer’ to the skies and beyond.
Josh T. Pearson takes us on the musical equivalent of a night out on the lash with an entertaining collection of upbeat rockers and downbeat ballads.
