Wicked Whispers - 02 Academy, Liverpool, 28/10/2012
by Harry Sherriff
published: 29 / 10 / 2012
intro
Harry Sherriff finds 60's-influenced psychedelic retro act the Wicked Whispers instantly forgettable in a hometown show at the O2 Academy in Liverpool
The Wicked Whispers left me cold and disappointed in Liverpool. I was prepared to like them. I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. A lot of the things that make up the Whispers I like, if not love. I like retro music, fashion from the 60’s and 70’s and most importantly I love bands from Liverpool. They’re a tight band and individually are undoubtedly very good musicians. The thing is their songs just don’t stay with you, or me at least. The only song I can remember is the single 'Dandelion Eyes'. It felt like the only song worthy of being a single out of the whole set. During the single, for some unknown reason, a grown man dressed in a rabbit costume made his way onstage, and held up signs with lyrics from the song on. I have no idea whose decision this was, but they should probably be asked to leave the band. Over one of the forgettable songs front man Mike Murphy said, “This’ll be out sometime next year.” I could not tell you anything about this song in hindsight, only the fact during it I turned to a fellow reviewer and said, “They think this is a single?” Also what put the nail in the coffin of the Wicked Whispers for me was the Stands barometer. The Stands were a band from Liverpool in the early to mid-noughties who had an album, a couple of really catchy songs and amongst other cool things supported Oasis. The Stands didn’t get many people’s attention and ultimately split up. The Wicked Whispers aren’t as good as the Stands, and I don’t think they will be. They’re also a band who are touted as psychedelic, and aren’t or at least weren’t the night I saw them. Now this review might be verging on harsh and unfair, but I realise now why I walked away from that gig so bitterly disappointed. It is because I wanted to love the Wicked Whispers, I wanted them to be my new favourite band in Liverpool. Something I could spread, and burn CDs and force them on people. I had a feeling the majority of the fans in attendance knew the band, and were showing up for moral support. There was a glimpse of something late on when Wicked Whispers did an improvised instrumental in the last song but by then it was too late. I had my coat on and was saying my goodbyes. The photographs that accompany this article were taken by Marie Hazelwood.
Picture Gallery:-
Visitor Comments:- |
605 Posted By: Dr Gonzo, Birmingham on 28 Nov 2012 |
I travelled all the way from Birmingham for that night and thought they were excellent. Maybe the sound on the night wasn't as good as it has been when I've seen them previously but it was still a cracking show! Their music is quite unique, especially when related to most groups around at the moment and for that they should be praised. Fair enough, they may take a bit of adjustment from what you usually hear as it is practically has a style of it's own. I've noticed people struggle when trying pin them down or relate them to other bands, I think that's why they get a hard time from critics and reviewers. You can hear essences of pop, folk, psych and even a pinch of prog.
With this in mind, I think you need to give them another chance, my friend :)
|
interviews |
Interview (2012) |
Richard Lewis chats to Mike Murphy, the singer-songwriter with psychedelic Liverpool-based band the Wicked Whispers, about his group's new EP, which was produced by White Stripes producer Liam Watson |
most viewed articles
current edition
The Church - Interview with Steve KilbeySimon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian Borland
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.
Jack Roscoe - Interview
Vetchinsky Settings - Interview
Near Jazz Experience - Interview
Liam Gallagher and John Squire - Olympia Theatre, Dublin, 16/3/2024
Nico - Profile
Sami Sumner - Interview
Doug Dillard Expedition - Live At The Hotel Fremont, Las Vegas, September 1970
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPPere Ubu - Interview
Sound - Interview with Bi Marshall Part 1
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Michael Lindsay Hogg - Interview
Echo And The Bunnymen - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Pete Brown - Interview
Sal Bernardi - Interview
Sound - Interview with Bi Marshall Part 2
most viewed reviews
current edition
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for BreadKula Shaker - Natural Magick
Ian Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
Ty Segall - Three Bells
Smalltown Tigers - Crush On You
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes - Dark Rainbow
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart