Steve Bruty of Metal Planet Music takes a look at the new album from LiVES

Having had the pleasure a little over two years ago of witnessing Pete Chisholm aka LiVES (@peter.lives) play an acoustic set which not only flattened the writer as well as the gathered crowd with one of the most powerful voices to ever grace these ears with just that voice and a acoustic guitar he held us all captivated for the duration of that memorable evening.

Fast forward to 2021 and and we are now treated to his first album under the banner of LiVES and what a way to make an entrance. For those not in the know, both James Morrison and Bob Geldof have been involved with Chisholm with writing in some shape or form over the years and obviously are aware of talent when they hear it.

That talent is on display on this release with the haunting, almost mesmerising, acoustic/piano opener “CHANGE”, with its solemn undertows, followed up with an almost Spanish flamenco in “COME TOGETHER” and those wonderful vocals in a higher register. It’s a calming introduction to an album that can throw in many curve balls and surprises, not least “SICK” with a funky bass line that would give James Brown a massive smile - a complete change of direction and a song that leaves you wanting more of the same.

“FUCK YOUR MONEY”… what can be said about a track that’s so offensive in a non offensive way? The lyrics pull no punches but all the swearing and naughty words are there for a reason. It’s one of the highlights of the record for sure. “LET GO”, for me, is such a beautiful track with a solemn tambourine underpinning the whole thing, along with a touch of Hammond organ, this is both well crafted and perfectly executed.

Just when you think you have heard the peak of the album we get two closing songs in “DARRENS SONG” and the emotion filled “ I MISS YOU” both songs back-to-back are full to the brim with light and shade moments and boy they tug on the heartstrings.

Such a cracking debut album which is even more amazing due to the fact that Chisholm plays guitar, drums, bass, keys, and vocals on the majority of the songs, a talented man indeed who has a helping hand from fellow musicians on just a handful of occasions.

If, like me, you love an album that throws up many surprises and refuses to stick to one genre or one formula, then this is a release that covers everything - the only thing that leaves me totally stumped as well as dismayed, is how Pete Chisholm is not a household name!? In a world that has gone bat-sh*t crazy over the last two years, nothing surprises me any more and I would not be shocked if “BAYONNE 21” pushes this talented artist on to another level; he certainly deserves the accolades…..