Some times you have to experience life’s downs to appreciate the ups, the complex to see the simplicity, and feel hurt and sorrow to see the first signs of hope and happiness. Listening to Tom Geiger’s solo album, the aptly named ‘Vicious Times’, it’s clear to hear the producer has had his fair share of life experiences; both good and bad. We’ve already crowned the single, ‘Can One Day Change Your Life’ as sublime simplicity and a reminiscent of Carl Kennedy’s amazingly simple ‘Ride The Storm’. The new single, ‘Empty Girl’ (with remixes forthcoming from Morgan Page) is every bit as good – you’ll be equally mesmerised by the subtle qualities of this melancholy song about superficial relationships. A marked change in direction for John Creamer & Stephane K’s imprint, but a refreshing collection that’s about real musicianship, proper songs and one man’s self-therapy through song-writing. Angst in the main (‘Some Days R Better Than Others’), rocky in others (‘Queen Of C-Bus’) and thoroughly absorbing in others (‘Wrong Way’). The sum is a quite brilliant album deserving of recognition beyond the shrink’s couch.
4 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Lewis Dene