We Will See Review – Never for Nothing 9/10

The first review of “We Will See” is in… Thanks to Geoff Howlett and Never for Nothing for reviewing the EP and for their ongoing support! You can check them out HERE.

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It’s 3 years since Gareth’s previous release made Album of the Month status, here at NFN Towers. This brand new 4 track EP carries on where “All the People” left off, with some thought provoking lyrics. Containing the best intro that I’ve hear for some time, “Hideaway” is a brilliant song. I have played it over and over again, as it’s galloping chorus goes round and round my head. Gareth says; “I wrote ‘Hideaway’ a while back when I was thinking about the times when we can keep guilt and issues hidden from God and others. God sees everything. There is nothing that we can hide from Him and He wants us to give Him our shame, instead of keeping it locked away. He doesn’t want to point the finger, but to forgive and restore us.” With that opening number being so good, it would be easy to forget the other tracks. However, although very different, “Valley of Decision” does have similar qualities. Almost with a feel of Southern Gospel, it’s a foot tappin’ track about taking the hand of Jesus when, maybe, you’ve previously distanced yourself from Him. “Blessed Assurance” is Gareth’s version of the well known worship song, and works well, with piano, trumpet and orchestral sounds providing the backing. “Within a Yard of Hell” is quite a title on its own. But, the song is big in production terms too. The theme is all about rescuing lost souls, even if they’re so close to the gates of hell. Are we prepared to do that? I’m sure that this recording will go down as well as its predecessor. The only trouble with this 4 track EP is that I wanted more!   9/10.

New Review: 9/10 from “Never for Nothing”

After playing “Revive Me” on his slot on BBC Radio Humberside on Sunday 25th January, Never for Nothing’s Geoff Howlett has published his review of “All The People”, which he called “a mighty fine album”, on the NFN e-newsletter – even making it his Album of the Month! Here is his verdict:

GARETH HIDES : All the People. (K180Music : K180CD 001)
Even after nearly 28 years in the CCM business, I’m still amazed by the terrific songs being written and produced by independent artists, like London based Gareth Hides. This is his first, full, album, and what a cracker it is! For those of you old enough to remember a band called The Electrics, the opening ‘Revive Me’ will bring back great memories. It’s a Celtic foot-tapper that is very pleasing to the ear, with an excellent chorus. ‘Faces on the People’ plods along nicely, but the indie pop anthem ‘Tonight’ is a real highlight. “Tonight’ was written to highlight our own mortality as humans, and that ‘we may not have tomorrow”, says Gareth. “It’s based on Luke 12:16-21 where Jesus says that “this very night your life will be demanded of you”. On ‘New Creation’ there’s great use of a simple guitar phrase, while on ‘Stumbling Block’, Gareth makes first-rate use of some violin and mandolin sounds. The invitation of taking the water of life, on ‘Will You Come?’ didn’t sound as joyous as I thought it should, but that shouldn’t take away anything from another, fine set of lyrics. I couldn’t stop smiling when I heard ‘Every Time You Go Away’. It reminds me so much of 1970’s Eurovision! That’s not a bad thing, Honestly! It’s bubble gum pop, with sing-along chorus that will be buzzing around your head for days. Gareth has an engaging voice, and his songs have real lyrical gravity. Add to that, some great production, and you have a mighty, fine release. 9/10.

Thanks Geoff! Check out his mention of the album on the BBC radio Humberside Sunday morning breakfast show HERE. It starts about 37:37 into the show… Enjoy listening!

#AllThePeople – LTTM Review ★★★★1/2

LTTM Advert 120x240pxThe first review of the new album is up and live! #LouderThanTheMusic have given the new album ★★★★1/2 out of 5. LTTM’s Jono Davies said that “…it left me with a smile on my face.” He said that the album’s lyrics are “all exceptionally clever”. Very generous encouragement and praise from the LTTM guys. Thanks! Don’t take my word for it, please check out the full review by clicking HERE.

#K180Music #OmnisPopulus

Buy Counting Sheep on Cross Rhythms

You can now buy physical copies of my 2011 EP, “Counting Sheep”, online at Cross Rhythms Direct for only £4. Click HERE to go to their site. Cross Rhythms reviewed the CD last year and gave it a 7/10 calling it “…an impressive debut”. Read the full review on their website. The EP is still available as a free download on Noisetrade.