I’ve got to be honest and admit that Howie Payne and his previous band The Stands had somehow slipped under my radar. Whether it’s because I’m not originally from these parts, or simply because working up to 60 hours a week in the day job doesn’t leave as much time as I’d like for discovering artists, I can’t be sure, but one thing is for certain – when top Liverpool promoters EVOL and Harvest Sun come together to cook up a show, you know it’s going to be something pretty special, and this is no exception.
Howie’s latest album “Mountain” is a thing of beauty, a sheer joy to behold. Timeless folksy Americana pop of the highest order. Instantly accessible, an air of familiarity yet fresh and original.
As usual when checking out an artist on spotify, I started by going through his “Top Tracks”, the most popular of which is his track “Some Believer, Sweet Dreamer” which is indeed a cracker and arguably the most commercial on the album.
However, when listened to within the flow of the album, it sounds even better – a reminder why record companies spend time working on album running orders, something that can often be lost on streaming platforms.
Take a listen to the album if you’ve not heard it yet, and get yourself a ticket from here for Howie Payne’s headline acoustic show at Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG on Tuesday, February 20th 2018.
Early bird tickets are sold out, but advance tickets are currently still available for £18.10.
Support comes from Marvin Powell and Zuzu both also playing acoustically.
It promises to be a very special night, so get on it!
