Wilcox Hulse
Album: Second Chance EP
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 5
Website: https://www.facebook.com/wilcoxhulse

Have you ever had the urge to seek out your old home, just to check if it's still there? Have you considered the changes that progress might have made, for better or worse?

If the answer is "Yes" then "Victoria Avenue" which opens this EP, is for you. Through Gary Wilcox 's eyes we are treated to visions of childhood, "Chas & Dave" and "Tomahawk" bikes, of longer days, bluer skies and we wonder if the "cat is still buried under the shed"

An exercise in shifting sentimentality, remembering your upbringing and the area you came from without the wish to change a single thing, all dressed in an up tempo rootsy style.

"From The Top Down" a tale of our current social injustice, Politian's who do anything but lead from the top down, a thinking man (and woman's) call to arms, the happiest revolution we will never have. "You and Me… We've got to turn it round". Can we?

"Coming Back" from the pen of Phil Hulse, the other half of the duo of acoustic songwriters who were formally two thirds of Queenberry Rules is a cracker of song. As catchy as an infectious laugh on a comedy night out, it'll have your feet taping double time as we hear about the second coming of a band only to realise folk had never realised you'd gone away. Perfect harmonies, with a side swipe at all those talent shows and their judges on TV. Real music is out there, near you, seek and you shall find. Alternatively there are doggy doppelgangers to watch, the choice is ours.

Finally, "Unsung" a loving lament for those who come fourth, those who don't make the podium but without whom. It's the taking part, the contribution we all make in the overall scheme of things. A thought proving and beautiful closure to this their second E.P.

Highly recommended.

Ian Cripps