Music
Press
Liverpool-born Wilson Minds has acquired a growing internet-following, thanks in no small part to world of mouth acclaim on several Irish music forums. Backed by Mersey band Ella Guru, 'They’ve Got Nothing On You' is a fine suite of of rootsy folk, in the vein of Bob Dylan and Neil Young. Opener ‘Face It Cracks’ demonstrates to good effect Wilson Minds' gravel-toned voice and Ashcroft swagger. However, it’s the sparse and haunting title track which impresses the most. We may have a young John Martyn in the making. - Hot Press
If that's all a little bit too experimental for you, perhaps the simple, acoustic style of Wilson Minds will be a bit more up your street. Irish born, and not lacking a resemblance to the late George Best, Wilson Minds' music has received praise from no less a figure than Paul McCartney.
This is gently meandering acoustic music that trickles like cream out of the speakers. Relentlessly warm, comforting and easy to listen to, this surpasses David Gray and Damien Rice by a mile, and whilst obviously solo acoustic acts can descend into tiresome drudgery, this is just too damn lovely to grow weary of. - musicOMH.com
by Alan O'Hare
He's being courted by record labels and has already been lauded in the music press, but Wilson Minds did something really special last night.
Above the din of modern-day Mathew Street, the Scouse troubadour took over the dimly lit View Two Gallery and turned the excellent space into his own living room. "Welcome to my family reunion," he laughed as he took the, erm, stage.
But what a reunion it was. Amongst invited family, friends and record business types, Wilson Minds created a timeless show with the feeling that something really special was happening. The songwriter was joined by an 11-piece band - including string quartet, pedal steel, backing vocals and a friend at the View Two's grand piano - and proceeded to create a lush sound, usually associated with artists who've been around for years.
Wilson Minds strummed acoustic guitar all night and let his band bring colour and space to his delicate, melody-filled tunes - highlights included The Band-like Rhianna and the gorgeous ballad, What Was I Supposed To Do.
The latter tune kind of sums Wilson Minds' songs up - lilting tunes, with hidden delicacy and a hint of soul. Imagine Richard Ashcroft's ballads without the bombast and a definite lightness of touch.
Let's hope last night was just the start of something special for Wilson Minds. - Liverpool.com
Discography
"Face It Cracks" EP (released 24th February 2013)
Track listing:
1. Face It Cracks
2. River Flowing
3. Before
Photos
Bio
It’s not often you come across a singer-songwriter with a love for Neil Young, Liverpool football club and a crème brûlée. This is why the musical stylings of Wilson Minds are an altogether unique proposition. Hailing from Liverpool and having busked on the streets of Dublin and Edinburgh, the 27 year old has an elegant flair for guitar, a robust, effortless voice and songs that transcend time. Not since the days of Bob Dylan and Neil Young has one artist been able to energetically lead a band and then pick up an acoustic guitar and play some of the most delicate thought provoking ballads.
Wilson Minds is ready to launch his debut EP, ‘Face It Cracks’ on 24th February 2013 via Zed Records. He has worked on the release with the iconic producer, the Brit Award winning Chris Potter (The Verve, The Feeling, The Rolling Stones, Keane, I Am Kloot). Consisting of three tracks, the EP aims to not only be a showcase of the Wilson Minds sound but to also bring back songs with a strong narrative and melody. Ranging from the blues rock of ‘Face It Cracks’, to the beautifully melodic ‘River Flowing’ and the more intimate, personal feel of ‘Before’, this EP is aiming for something different, an array of dynamic styles all combined into a melting pot of light and shade.
Taking influences that range from the likes of Johnny Cash to The Beastie Boys, it is evident that there is a mix and unique blend of charisma in his songs. 2013 promises to be an exciting year for Wilson Minds.
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