Released March 29th, on Fairfield Records

Opening track 'Great Things' with its slow beat and lack of effort is something you would expect to find on a Mother’s Day compilation, alongside the likes of Gabrielle or Keane. The gentle sounds of acoustic guitars paired with soft and ordinary vocals result in a mellow offering that makes you feel like you are listening to the soundtrack of a Hugh Grant film; just a bit soppy.

However once you have got over this dreariness, following track 'Empires End' offers a change and a sound that has found significance. A sound that is welcomed, that now makes you actually pay attention to what Ian McNabb is saying. ‘So make your play dark spirit, make this night your own...with no time left for runnin’ everyone’s alone’ over the backdrop of soulful guitars, a steady compelling drum beat and a medley of instruments puts Ian McNabb in the same bracket as Pink Floyd. He captures that build up of emotion and intensity that put Pink Floyd in the forefront of the kind of music that tells a story; and that is exactly what McNabb achieves.

The album is a journey of soft sorrow, of echoing guitars and heartfelt lyrics. Great Things offers variety and a chance for McNabb to go down every musical avenue and reach out to different audiences. From the upbeat 'All About a Woman' showcasing an electronic and dark, haunting Marilyn Manson like song (minus the screams) complete with eerie violins to the slow let’s-hold-hands-around-the-campfire 'This Love.'

There are moments of greatness, most of which can be found within the honesty of the lyrics and the experimentation of instruments.  However this is spoilt by the odd average, sometimes tedious, song that fails to reach any high point.

A mixed 6 out of 10.

Posted In Album Reviews, Mar 29 2010. Words - Aimee