Ian Mcnabb - Nabby Road (2022) Hi-Res

It’s not easy being a Liverpudlian musician, with expectations piled high since a certain foursome brought Merseyside to the world’s attention, yet Ian McNabb has always borne this onus with a lot of grace, gusto and gravitas, first as a frontman of THE ICICLE WORKS and then as a solo artist. Lately, the veteran has been quite busy, steadily releasing new music, and now the follow-up to his 2021’s “Utopian” – and the singer-guitarist’s fourth fresh album in six years – is being printed.


Titled “Nabby Road” and slated to appear soon, although later than Ian planned, it sees McNabb embracing his preferred trio format again and being flanked by bassist Roy Corkill and drummer Nick Kilroe, so the result of this effort is approximating his work of yore.

Nabby Road is a much more restrained, almost laid back affair. There is less of the lyrical and riff dominance, although those riffs are still present, they are more restrained. The trademark wit is held back in favour of a vibe, an atmosphere, a quality that reveals the arrangements and the mood.

This is no criticism, it adds yet another tick to a wonderful back catalogue. The album feels more American, both instrumentally and lyrically, certainly more mellow and atmospheric and it all works beautifully. The songs are more crafted, time has obviously been spent perfecting them and this results in an album that should be listened to throughout.

To open the album with the piano led instrumental of Sausalito is brave, but keeps in with the general feel of the album and especially the arrangements. This is never more apparent than on the violin led beauty of The Sun Came Out At Night. it is very reminiscent of the acoustic led album that was An Emotional Party.

There's a wonderful West Coast riff that dominates Amazing and Love Bombing is Bacharach like in its easy listening relaxation. Gentlemen Dress For Dinner is particularly Funky and Start Again is built around a great Glam Riff, great 70s Pop Rock. Plus for those who like a shouter, there's Steal Away.

McNabb though cannot resist that sly wit with Guest List. A jibe at the Guest List wannabes done with local references and set to a camp fire, part rockabilly, part country, a song that gets the message across firmly, albeit slightly tongue in cheek.

Ian McNabb may have an opinion on everything, you don't have to agree, you may want to ignore. However, what isn't in doubt is that the man has been a constant for 40 years and is still trying to offer different directions in a splendid career. He should be more popular, but that has never held him back. Long may it continue.