LIAM GALLAGHER Vinyl & CDs

Review: Two of the likeliest lads from Manchester team up for the first day release of their new collaborative project. And its something of a full circle moment, with Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher previously citing Stone Roses hero John Squire in a list of formative teenage musical inspirations, who, in turn, first encountered the former when both bands were working the same studio, respectively recording Definitely Maybe and The Second Coming. The pair first shared honours three years after that, co-writing 'Love Me & Leave Me' for Squire's relatively short-lived outfit, The Seahorses, in 1997. Skip forward to 2022 and Squire joined the Gallaghers et al on stage at Knebworth, reprising his appearances for renditions of 'Champagne Supernova' at the band's 1996 shows, spurring the idea to do something together again. Here's the result - and it's precisely what the duo should sound like together.

Review: For indie heads of a certain vintage, this album - a first full-length collaboration between Oasis lead singer Liam Gallagher and former Stone Roses guitar-slinger John Squire - is one of the most hotly anticipated of the year. It was recorded in Los Angeles over a three-week period last year, with former Foo Fighters and Gorillaz studio don Greg Kurstin handling production. As you'd expect, the album is undeniably nostalgic, with Squire's variously funky, raw and bluesy guitar licks and Beatles-esque backing tracks providing a fitting vehicle for Gallagher's distinctive lead vocals. For proof, check recent singles 'From Mars To Liverpool' - where Squires' solos towards the end seemingly soar above reverb-laden backing vocals that accurately pay tribute to the Fab Four - and the more psychedelic Roses-meets-Oasis flex of 'Just Another Rainbow'. There are no surprises, but fans will love it.