Hungerford’s Liam Merrigan on the up with album release
Liam Merrigan (with Roadhouse) – The Synthetic Orchid.
Review by BRIAN HARRINGTON.
The new album by Liam Merrigan, a Hungerford-based singer/songwriter will precede an appearance at Home Farm Festival in Somerset and local gigs in the West Berkshire area.
Liam is working with local live favourites Roadhouse and there are guest appearances by James C Johnson, who has played keyboards with Brian Eno, Cozy Powell and Peter Green, as well as Jack Moore, son of the late Thin Lizzy guitar legend Gary Moore. Described as ‘folky blues rock’, I personally feel it leans strongly towards Americana and has more than a hint of Springsteen about it at times. That said there are also hints of British legends such as The Kinks and Roy Harper in the mix too. Lyrically the album is full of keen observation and wit.
Of the seven original tracks here I particularly enjoyed Journey’s End and Old Man’s Words, while This Human Guise appears in two forms, firstly very much as I think it will be in live performance locally and then with Jack Moore guesting, his wailing guitar adds a much rockier dimension to the track.
In terms of the engineering mix I felt that the drums were possibly too prominent at times, but Liam’s comments that he poured his heart and soul in to this project is very much apparent and he has produced an interesting album here which is well worth checking out.
THREE YEARS IN THE MAKING
“I have poured my heart and soul into the making of this record, getting everyone together,” says Liam. Now on stream, Liam Merrigan’s ‘folky blues rock’ Synthetic Orchid has been three years in the making, writes Arts Editor TRISH LEE.
LIAM Merrigan’s album The Synthetic Orchid is now live and things are going well. Jack Moore has shared it on his Facebook, and it has been getting airplay from Kennet Radio and Somerset’s Radio Ninesprings, to the American Bandana Blues podcast, Banks fm in Australia and Glastonbury Calling podcast, to name but a few.
And due to responses from the track with Jack Moore, they are going to work on a full album together in coming months.
I have poured my heart and soul into the making of this record
Thirty-five-year-old Liam has been songwriting for around 20 years, having moved to Hungerford from Somerset when he was 14.
After leaving metal band Deadman’s Lane in 2012/13 when the band split he went solo and in 2017 he was semi finalist for Listen up Britain song writing contest and got to play in London.
The Liam Merrigan band is best described as a blues-inspired folk rock band with an indie twist. You can see them at a band showcase at the Railway Tavern on September 9. Other upcoming gigs include next week’s Somerset Home Farm charity festival featuring 150 acts over three days in Chilthorne Domer, raising money for School in a Bag which provides educational resources to disadvantage children all over the world.
“Were really proud to be part of the line up for this great event and are playing the Dutch Barn Stage on June 10 at 12.30 in the afternoon,” says Liam.
“Sadly we had to turn down the Pilton stage at the Bath and West Show this year, but will hopefully get booked again for next year.”
Album sessions started just before Covid hit. “The process has been a slow one,” Liam explains, “due to that and a mild health problem that thankfully I recovered fully from.
“I’d say the album was three years in the making and is a follow up to my debut album Broke Beyond Tomorrow, released in 2015, and my EP Evermore, released in 2020.”
He’s pleased with the result. “I have poured my heart and soul into the making of this record, getting everyone together.
“It’s hard to pick a favourite track, but I’d say that This Human Guise is my best work so far, but all the songs have a meaning to me.
“Old Man's Words was written for a very dear friend that passed away and was based on many nights blurry-eyed chatting in our local pub.”
The album is officially available on iTunes, Deezer, Spotify and Amazon music.
CDs are available directly from Liam on Facebook or at any gigs.
www.facebook.com/liammerriganofficial
The main band comprises Liam Merrigan, guitar and vocals; Doug Essen, lead guitar; Mark Tanner, bass; Ian Vallance, drums.
Guest musicians are James Johnson; keyboard; Jack Moore, lead guitar; Nick Beere, guitar/keyboard/backing vocals/tamborine.
Produced by Nick Beere at Mooncalf Studios
TRISH LEE
