Short Reviews [A Geoff Mann Band - 1990 - "Loud Symbols" [The Definitive Edition]]

After The Bond ended in 1988, Geoff re-convened with bassist Paul Keeble and drummer Gary Mitchell who had also been in The Earthlings (Geoff’s first short-lived post-TN band), and new guitarist John Maycraft. Being more established musicians, the band presented a more accessible/mainstream rock sound, with less emphasis on the ‘wobbly music’ Geoff had hitherto produced. Keeble’s fretless bass has a very warm sound which ties in with the drums to underpin the overall sound, and while there are a few keyboards (also by Keeble) their overall usage is greatly reduced and the result is a jagged rock album which is far more in your face than Geoff’s earlier solo works. As with the other definitive edition we again get demo versions of every song from the original album, here presented in the same running order (which includes an extended version of “More Than This”), plus some live cuts plus all lyrics and photos in the booklet. I know this album even more than ‘Won By One’, proudly owning a white label test pressing (I have no idea when I bought it, or where from, but I’ve had it the best part of 30 years now). It contains one of Geoff’s very finest songs in “Never Mind” which in many ways is a song which fits neatly between his older style and where he was going, less aggressive and more emotional, with Keeble having a major impact with his delicate bass and keyboards. I have no idea how many times I have enjoyed this album over the years, but it certainly does not sound as if it is nearly 35 years old, as there is a freshness and bite to it. What Geoff accomplished in his short life is nothing short of remarkable and one can only wonder what would have happened if he had lived longer. This is an essential purchase for anyone interested in his music, and is another wonderful introduction to those who wonder what all the fuss is about. He lived and breathed music to the very last, an incredible man.