Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

  Former Giants May Fall and 95 Foot Wave frontman here presents us with his debut CD and 12 songs in a pop/rock vein.  Geoff’s brand of songwriting is to be applauded because he has a knack for pithy phrases and the sort of non religious language that communicates moral and spiritual truth in a non preachy fashion.  So for example, the acoustic rocker “When The Son Comes Down” plants questions in the heart of the listener and “Hot Tears” with its message of healing for the wounded are both highly effective songs.  At the other extreme, the throwaway ‘60s pastiche “Girl In The Moon” is just a bit of fluffy fun.  Geoff plays the majority of the instruments including the incessant drum machine which clatters throughout the recording and the overall effect is more than a little on the tinny side.  Nothing wrong with the songwriting but the low-fi recordings do not paint Geoff in the best light.  Occasionally a guitar is out of tune or vocals are a little off which is a shame.  The dance pop attempt is definitely not Geoff’s strong suit so “Sea Of Flames” just sounds dated.  No doubt this has been a labour of love for Mr Howlett struggling with the limited budget and sadly the result does not cut it.

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