aaamusic | On 04, Jul 2011

The minute Liam Bailey sings the first note on “It’s not the Same” the title track of his EP, his smooth soulful vocals transport you back to a different era. An era where the likes of Otis Redding and The Supremes dominated the soul music scene.

This is the third EP from Bailey who has enjoyed recent success after featuring on “Blind Faith” the summer smash hit single from Chase and Status and supporting Jessie J and Plan B on their UK tour dates. This EP consists of 4 tracks including an acoustic stripped version of Blind Faith which is far more melancholy than the original, but very beautiful none the less.

Opening track “It’s not the Same” is a classic soul tune where Baileys vocals perfectly complement and combine with the rich backing band to create a perfectly textured blues tune. “Older Than the Sun” is a jaunty blues tune that hears Bailey hit the high notes with passion that is reminiscent of the soulful yelps of John Legend. The EP closes on “On My Mind” the only song where there hints of rock and roll to be heard with a walking bass line and more guitar backing also. 

 With only 4 songs this EP is rather short, but perhaps Bailey is saving some of his best tunes for his debut album aptly named “Out of the Shadows” in September 2011. The title of this forthcoming album suggests that Bailey is looking forward to firmly launching himself from guest vocalist to leading man.

Author: Orna Lyons