Review by Woody

Big Life are a band put together by long time friends Mark Thompson Smith (Vocals) and  Steve Newman (Guitars & Keyboards) and on disc they are joined by Rob McEwen on Drums. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered at Newman’s home studio “The Blue Room” – unfortunately it’s called that cause it really is blue not for any cheeky grin inducing reasons. This debut album has been a long time coming with songs been written in-between 2005-2010!

Vocalist Mark Thompson-Smith has sort of been in self imposed exile since his stint with Praying Mantis in the early 90’s, and judging by his stellar vocals we’ve really missed out having such a strong British vocalist involved in the melodic rock scene. Hopefully this album is just the beginning of even more music involving his voice and song writing! Mark has proved on this album he is a great lyricist to even rival Newman, one of the main reasons I have taken to this album is the lyric’s many of which I find it very easy to connect with.

I’m a massive fan of Steve Newman so I was really looking forward to this album – especially after Steve let me hear a preview of “Better Man” prior to the album’s release which had me chomping at the bit to hear the full album. I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest either! It’s not a Newman album with a guest vocalist, whilst you can tell Steve’s involved, it is different enough for the band to have its own identity and allow Steve to play and write in less expected styles.

This isn’t an album for kids and I don’t mean that in bad way, lyrically and musically this is a really deep and mature collection of songs. You’re not going to find throw away party songs on here! This is an album which will definitely stick with you and you will return to it year after year, Full of relatable and powerful lyric’s and melodies that will haunt you. Thompson-Smith’s vocals are strong throughout and on many of the songs extremely expressive and passionate giving many of the lyrics more impact! Newman does what he does best, memorable guitar riffs and licks in abundance, and this album see’s Steve in a more atmospheric, laidback and soulful mood – oh and Steve’s keyboard work no matter how subtle brings out the best in many of the songs.

The album is chock full of atmospheric, emotive songs with strong passionate vocals. The catchy and obvious choice for lead track “Better Man” should go down well as its instantly enjoyable – pure ear candy. The haunting keyboard work, fantastic lyrics and Mark’s passionate vocals make it a real stand out track. Keep an ear out for album closer the stripped bare ballad “Nothing Without You”. It’s an intensely powerful ballad which sees Mark’s finest and tremendously emotive vocal performance on the album.

It’s AOR for grown up’s and it’s an album that will never collect dust on your shelf, unlike many instant gratification party rock albums which die a quick death after a short time, in comparison with its depth and power Big Life will continue to return to your CD player year after year.

8/10