How will they speak of us when the night is gone?

That's right- yet another terrific musical offering from Manchester. What other city in the world can top it when it comes to great music? Liam Frost has been touted by more than a handful in the music press as the next Badly Drawn Boy. And unlike the majority of other music press comparisons, this one's pretty spot on for the most part. You could be quick to think that it's mostly suggested because of their physical appearances- both are soft-spoken, pudgy singer-songwriters with unkempt hair. But it's much more than just that (and the fact that they're both Manchester natives.) Their musical styles are quite similar too, with understated vocals and acoustic backing- shifting throughout from melancholy to uplifting and shimmering.

Some of the tunes have been called alt-country, which isn't too far off with the folky touches of mandolin, violin, steel guitar and harmonica on tunes like "Is This Love?" and "Shall We Dance." Liam Frost and his backing band "The Slowdown Family" have already opened for a number of great bands including Elbow and their live show has been compared to "a celebratory wake" which really seems like an appropriate comparison in tone and feel. "Three cheers for love of the simplest kind- let's drink to all I've left behind" hits with a shiver to kick off a building end to "The Mourners of St. Paul's" complete with a soaring singalong chorus.

If you're a fan of acoustic singer-songwriters and bands like Doves, Elbow, and yes- Badly Drawn Boy- Liam Frost and the Slowdown Family are worth a listen. Maybe best of all, Liam is only twenty-three years old so hopefully more great music is still to come...


Live session on Xfm

On Myspace

Official website

Video for The Mourners Of St. Paul's

Liam Frost and the Slowdown Family- The City Is At Standstill

Liam Frost and the Slowdown Family- She Painted Pictures