A_F_R_O_W_Review: “Free” by Luke Goss

F.R.E.E.
Four letters, which, in a 4.5 minute musical voyage, manage, to montage an expansive journey, of a Man, seemingly, seeking, to relinquish wordly machinations, take up the Vocational Cross of his Life-Calling, place it upon his back, and carry it, through the Creative Context, much, as he does, his guitar, through a barren desert.

Organic and open-hearted, the debut solo song, “Free”, by Luke Goss, is the auditory definition, of the “Joshua Tree” location, in which the accompanying visual treatment (also, his Directorial debut, in this area of Film-making), is shot.

The track, is breathable, with a refined, fresh-air, quality, and blueprint of elegant, sonic simplicity, capable, not only, of cleansing the listener’s aural atmosphere, but also, the, often, over-saturated Music Industry, itself.

For Production, to be so, finely-layered, as to cast a fine-tuned veil of effortless delicacy and holistic naivete, to proceedings, in actuality, requires pinpoint precision, an eloquence of Electronica and, a profound expertise, in, and appreciation, for, compositional moderation… and, “Free”, certainly, has that, in abundance.

Intricately-infused, nods, to Spanish guitar, pleasingly, pierce the ambiance of heady and heavy-California vibes, whilst, a prevalent, percussive heartbeat and dub-laden bassline, have-the-backs of 80’s inflections, reminiscent of “Depeche Mode”, Moogs and synths, “Tears For Fears” intensity, “Sting” Roots-and-Rock, with an, added, contemplative twist, of 90’s, “Massive Attack”.

Yet, for all of the genre-blending, brushstrokes, it is always clear, that the Leading Man, is Luke Goss, now, a.k.a “Luke”. His sultry, unhurried, gravel-toned vocals (sure, to become his enduring trademark), are as, inherently, spiritual and introspective, as they are, welcoming and inclusive. Complemented, by the understated urgency of his distinctive delivery, “Free”, metamorphosises into a “Sonic Statement Of Intent”, followed through, by the panoramic sweep, of, such, an impressive, visual environment.

There is the sense, that Goss is bringing us, full-circle, from the “Desert Conversation”, he started here, in his, highly-acclaimed, publication, soon, to be released, as an audiobook experience. The stirring motifs, on view, are indicative, of this Man, who has confronted and overcome his fears, and, is now, bilingual, in “Pragmatic Optimism” and “Realistic Hope”. The conclusion, being a Musical Manifesto and a, telling, testament, to his personal road, thus far.

Zoom-in, further, to discover that, as well as his debut single being an, entire, mood, Luke Goss, is a “Pioneer for Peace”… and, a spiritual movement, waiting, to manifest, within the Arts.

He knows, that Time, is precious and advises, therefore, that we “tell the ones [we] love, that [we] love them”… and, whilst the road, in the video clip, is open, leading, into an unknown, undiscovered, vanishing point, there is no doubt, that Goss is cognicent of exactly, the direction, in which he is headed… that the trajectory, is perpendicular, the momentum, ever, forward… and, that, he is not looking back.

For fans, both, established and new, the final flourish, of a, “To Be Continued” frame, is the confident signal to more, impressive projects, on that, very, same, horizon, ready, to be fulfilled.. and, what, a visionary, resonant and, Life-affirming, future, that promises to be.

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©A_F_R_O_W2020.

All Rights Reserved.

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Both, the single, “FREE” by Luke, and video are now out download/ stream and view.

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Instagram: @thelukegoss

‘Brosette-For-A-Day: “A Beautifully Reciprocal Experience”…’

I wasn’t actually meant to be there…

I had a lot of thinking to do… Pontification, which had started over blueberry pancakes drenched with butter and maple syrup, at the superb Mondrian Hotel… Having mentally put my world to rights as succinctly as possible, I followed my feet back towards the Southbank, via Upper Ground… Overhead, clotted cream clouds were dispersed across a carpet of sky, quickly diffused by a determined sun… Immediately ahead, a sizeable crowd had been stealthily amassing… Curious, to ascertain the significance of the mélange between point-and-press ‘paps’ and an ever-increasing congregation of enthusiastic individuals, I began my quest to answer the next question within my mind-palace… What was all of the buzz about?

‘We thought you were making fun of us’…

…came the reply to my inquisitive mood… ‘A lot of people wonder why, after 30 years we still come’… Well, the answer would soon become apparent, when the object of such devotion came into view… Both Matt and Luke Goss had exited the building and were about to conduct an impromptu meet-and-greet session. I learnt that they had just been on ‘This Morning with Ruth and Eamonn’, sharing the news of their upcoming reunion and were now about to share the love with their family of fans.

I observed.

This was, by no means, idolatry… This was genuine continuity of care. A constant, in a consistently impressive set of emotionally-literate calling-cards, for two of the most revered artist/ musicians in the business… and no wonder why…

They might have been behind a low barrier, but the energy exuding from the brothers vaulted way beyond any metal obstruction. As, one after another, the expectant supporters made their way into the arms of a bear-hug from Matt or the soothing voice of Luke, confirming, with absolute, heartfelt conviction that, he, indeed, remembered one particular lady and her Father from their youth, I soon became an immovable force! Not even the fact that I was without a coat, in an intermittently windy sleeve of street would have shaken me from my spot… shivers-and-all!

I was mesmerised.

Ensconced within a bubble of quiet hysteria, years were being rolled back, as memories were offered in each rencontre. Whether it was standing outside of ‘the Bros house’ and being brought cups of tea by their dear, late Mother, Carol… to the never-ending search for bottle-top footwear accessories, the interiors of this room within the memory-palace were layered with a profound sense of colourful camaraderie and touching bonds of lifelong friendship.

I was deeply moved. A smile regularly touched my face, as all around, I witnessed the groundswell of butterfly-inducing anticipation spill over, into undulations of audible excitement. The dream had come true!! A long-anticipated reunion tour, in commemoration of an exhilerating past, a glittering present and a stadium experience which would throw down an emphatic gauntlet, to a creatively adventurous future.

Suddenly, smile still plastered over my visage, an unexpected event occurred. An existential eye-line appeared and it was my turn to get the attention of Matt Goss, himself. Inwardly perplexed, since I had been more concerned that those with whom I had conversed earlier got their precious moments, I was further intrigued to see that he had worn a natty bandana and I was sporting a Hawes and Curtis dress shirt, with a Tiffany & Co. necktie, so, in for a penny (as my late Dad used to say!), I inquired as to whether a swap might be in order! So… that didn’t happen, but I heard a few sharp intakes of breath, as if, perhaps, that might have been a, somewhat, cheeky request…

I believe he was amused!

I certainly experienced my grin expand into a laugh, accompanied by a hearty giggle and, before I knew it, we were face-à-face! What was a girl to do, but offer ‘les bises’ and a handshake… Except that, by now, my body temperature, having decreased yet further, manifested an ice-cold hand, which really was shaking! Never was the reciprocated warmth more appreciated… Never before had it felt as if a verbal exchange hovered above… and, my goodness, if a spiritual exchange didn’t wrap itself around this portal of time like the ultimate duvet, then I know not how to account for the most intense stillness and mystifying sense of breathing pure air…. especially in a London atmosphere which has major exhaust-emission issues!

Then. It. Clicked.

The authenticity of these men… the depth of gratitude to this fan-family for, not only putting them in the record books, but keeping them there, so as to be front-and-centre for another inspiring tour, formulated a potent mix, which extended time in a profound way. Evidently, the highly-impressive performances, of their hit-filled back catalogue, ebbing and flowing with up-to-the-minute exclusives, were the timely conclusion and commencement to an ever-greater season of prolific, combined creativity.

According to Matt, ‘Civility Costs Nothing’. Lyrics in his powerful track ‘Strong’ ring out, ‘Kindness Is King’ and I believe that the combined humility, faith and love of the brothers who were born on (what would become) ‘National Heart Day’, will see Bros move to new industry heights… Prepare for Matt and Luke Goss to scale the mountains of film, fashion and, undoubtedly, make continued musical breakthroughs…

You never know… I might just try and source some bottle-tops for m’self… Though, I do, rather look forward to working them with my Louboutins!!!

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©AFROW2017-2019. All Rights Reserved.

 

Bros ‘Push’ platinum reunion to a higher level!

It may, or may not have escaped your notice, but, I love to write!

Be it poetry, prose, press release… news, reviews, interviews, I get the greatest kick from spreading the positive word!

So, it gives me particular pleasure to share the good news with you that super-band, ‘Bros’  is back!

Amidst a whirlwind of press, brothers, Matt and Luke Goss announced their reunion tour, headlining two O2 Arena concerts (the second, of which, had to be added due to extraordinary demand), commencing on August 19th 2017. If the date looks familiar, it’s because it falls exactly 28 years to the day of the final Wembley performance on their landmark global tour, on August 19th 1989! (For the numerologists out there, they’ve also played the venue 19 times…go figure!)…

As per Bros tradition, the intel gave rise to a socialmedia frenzy, akin to the good old days of 80’s Brosmania….For two weeks, a flurry of hot-off-the-press, hard copy reports rallied with their online partners, with televisual appearances being skilfully served, alongside audio aces…each revealing, in greater detail, an event series, promising to go beyond a show, into a fully-fledged, feel-good, multiplatform experience of the heightened, holistic kind.

Taking things ‘over-the-top’ is quite in keeping with their honed creative skills. Let’s not forget that the boys from Bros have become men, with super-succesful careers, respectively. With Matt, the newly-crowned King of Vegas and Luke, a much-feted Hollywood actor, we should expect them to go big, as they pay homage to the past, reflect the present with relish and project the future boldly! Expect, too, the unexpected, in a contemporary twist on presentation which will, not only, be an authentic representation of the very best these two highly-creative minds can dream up when they become one, but will also honour their entire journey…and then some!

The cynics may say that reunion tours are a mere money-spinning exercise…A play on memorabilia…But I choose to spin that theory right around and say that, clearly, the money is a mere by-product of the blood, sweat and tears going into a production of such magnitude, which this will be! Luke’s hands are already the proof of the first, due to intense drum practice…now that’s real talk!

Yes, I’m all for riding the wave of nostalgia… All for the universal cry of unadulterated joy erupting, when devoted Brosettes, now, themselves adults, relive their youth, with fellow fans who have become firm friends, as well as family, alike… In fact, the experiential artist within me would love to see an exhibition à la the super-impressive ‘Return of The Rudeboy’ at Somerset House, or the more recent triumph of The Jam’s inspiring retrospective, ‘About The Young Idea’. (The latter was another family affair, in that it was curated by (lead) Paul Weller’s sister, Nicky). Cooler, still, would be to install it at the O2’s exhibition space, or another South London gallery (quite possibly the ‘South London Gallery’, on Peckham Road) or even the ‘Lewisham Arthouse’, in reference to their tender beginnings in the area. Whatever the final format, the prospect of a Brotherhood mirrored by a Sisterhood, united in sharing such beautiful memories and making new ones, in UK stadia, is totally tantalising!

That said, if status of ticket availability is anything to go by, then this will be an entire sell-out! As if being the youngest band ever to play Wembley wasn’t enough, the Brosmania has continued the trend, by doing so for the first night, in the fastest time, ever in (promoter) LiveNationUK’s history, of 7 seconds, flat!* Yes, SEVEN!! So I urge you… get on the case and do not miss out on this tour…and whilst you get your golden tickets, please spare a thought for me, head-in-Dictionary and Thesaurus, in search of synonyms, superlatives and adjectives, in order to do justice to this epic event…which, incidentally, is bound to go way beyond the words which I already love so much..

For now though, a hugely, exuberant, celebration of life, in an amazingly popular band, is a pretty fine place to start!

©A_F_R_O_W2016-2019 All Rights Reserved

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Tickets/ Tour Dates: Live Nation  ~ The O2 Arena

Twitter: @BrosBandUK ~ Instagram: Bros_Band ~ Facebook: Bros_Band ~ Website: Bros

  Merchandise: Bros Official Merchandise

 South London Gallery ~ Lewisham Arthouse

*Source: (Twitter) @LiveNationUK