Tony Burke- Lead Vocals, Guitar

Julie Hadwen- Lead Vocals

Mace Carnochan- Piano, Synthesizers, Organ.

Martin Wilson- Bass.

Steve Martinez- Drums

An Inward Revolution. – The Big Sound Authority.

All good things come to he who waits apparently, but some great things take 30 years to get the recognition they deserve. I have sent many emails and messages over the last few years to Cherry Reds’ ideas service, where people can put forward their suggestions as to what albums they would like to see given a well deserved and overdue release. Whether my plea’s contributed to it finally happening is irrelevant, what does matter is that it’s finally here.

In the mid ’80’s amongst the posing and posturing of the clothes horses of the self appointed musical hierarchy, there were people of eloquence, substance, and a social conscience who wrote about ‘real’ subjects without patronising their audience. The Kane Gang, The Style Council, Special A.K.A. plus many others all wrote about the times we were living in, and for me The Big Sound Authority were at the top of that list. ‘An Inward Revolution’ is an album that’s as relevant today in some of its subject matter as it was in 1985; cutbacks in services, towns decimated by big business, and pockets of social decay. “Spend a fortnight where I live”, a line from ‘Let’s Hold Together’ sums up the authenticity and honesty of the whole ethos of the band. The record’s picture sleeve gives an indication of what to expect inside, but it’s not the doom and gloom that you expect, instead it’s a rallying call of hope and that you, and only you, can change things. Hence the title.

The strength of Tony Burke’s songwriting is augmented by a tight band and the naturally powerful, beautifully soulful voice of Julie Hadwen. There are no vocal gymnastics, false ‘soulful’ histrionics, just stripped back, laid bare vulnerable emotion.’This House (Is Where Your Love Stands)’, arguably their most well known single, is a mixture of heartbreak and the bitterness of adultery (“she’s so so-so it’s almost perverse” is still one of the greatest put down lyrics). 60’s kitchen sink dramas rewritten for the Thatcher age run alongside passionate love songs complete with brass section; white soul music at its best. Personally I tend to judge a band by its b-sides, and tracks like ‘Excuse Me Please’ deserved to be a single, perhaps someone could have a word with Adele about a cover? At last I can listen to it now without the crackles and pops of my worn out vinyl.

For those who like their music with meaning and genuine feeling, I strongly recommend this album.