Liam Frost - We Ain't Got No Money, Honey, But We Got Rain Album Review

Review of Liam Frost's album We Ain't Got No Money, Honey, But We Got Rain

Those familiar with the Manchester music scene may already have come across Liam Frost, for he has shared stages with other locals such as Badly Drawn Boy and Nine Black Alps. This record follows his 2006 debut, 'Show Me How The Spectres Dance', and he plays at XFM's Winter Wonderland in his hometown on December 6.

Frost's sophomore release can best be described as a mature album of soulful pop, but with many fun elements involved. Straight from the beginning of 'Held Tightly In Your Fist' there is a quirkiness and enthusiasm that Mika channels so well, but these tunes are of more indie origin. 'Good Things' is breezy and bouncy, while 'Two Hearts' is joyfully melodic, so the middle running of the album comes as something of a surprise by turning decidedly cold. This doesn't mean the quality drops, with 'Shipwrecks' a particularly spirited effort, but Frost is just that bit more enjoyable when capturing optimism. No better is this highlighted than on the duet with Martha Wainwright, 'Your Hand In Mind', which lifts the tempo with urgency and has hooks to keep you bouncing on the spot for it's duration. On a relatively good album it is a moment of brilliance that could provide the platform for Frost to take his exposure to the next level.

Alex Lai