Those Sweet Reviews

Whiskey Club’s interpretation of David Bowie’s track is an expertly crafted version of a song which remains faithful to the original but also has that unique and distinctive Whiskey Club stamp to it. Whiskey Club’s version is more stripped back-using delicate instrumentation and vocal to place you in a more introspective and safe place to have an open heart-to-heart conversation; where the original captures David Bowie in full “Ziggy Stardust” glam mode (it’s actually the song in which Bowie infamously ended his Ziggy Stardust era live at the Hammersmith Odeon-oddly on July 3rd, 1973; the date of two rock icons untimely demise-4 years to the day of Brian Jones’ death and 3 years from Jim Morrison’s…plus in the lyric to the title song there’s a reference to Ziggy Stardust playing guitar left-handed and “boy could he play guitar”-which I’ve always thought was a nod to Jimi Hendrix as well) and about to enter the Aladdin Sane era While we have Bowie beginning this song with light strumming of an acoustic guitar and morphing into a more bombastic triumphant tone (with the full band singing backing vocals on the “wonderful” in the lyric “oh give me your hands because you’re wonderful, (wonderful)”… David Bowie’s -and we’ve to give credit to Mick Ronson- the awesome guitarist in Bowie’s lineup for both “The Man Who Sold The World” and “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars”) original is obviously spectacular of course…however the contrast with Whiskey Club’s cover adds warmth and sincerity to this song-this is an inspiring example of an artist beautifully and respectfully covering a song he’s admired while giving his own artistic and personal interpretation of the meaning behind the song “Rock and Roll Suicide”. It’s an exquisite and uniquely artistic adaptation of a song which retains the original essence but takes it further and indeed has that special Whiskey Club feel about it. This is a musical, intelligent and emotionally engaging interpretation wonderfully giving this song further depth-by stripping it down instrumentally Whiskey Club brings its core meaning to the forefront. A stunning re-interpretation of a classic from a brilliant artist in his own right. Whiskey Club has added a whole new layer to this piece and given us a different perspective on this David Bowie work of art.

Our marvellous indie community is certainly filled with a vast array of talented artists and musical genius. There’s an amazing amount of highly skilled and gifted artists in amongst a vastly flourishing and abundant garden of amazing music. It’s an honour to be on the same planet and inspiring to be a part of this indie music scene with so many artists who create these works of beauty almost daily. In this second edition of a weekly review series, what better time to highlight times when indie artists from our scene combine to create a stunning work of art? The artists chosen to highlight this week are both very much gifted and intelligent musicians individually- when combined these gifts are given a chance to illustrate the benefits of sharing these wonderful talents together: an example of that unique sense of belonging to a community that shares in each other's achievements and highlights their strengths-that is truly magnificent. A song that comes to mind bearing these qualities inherent to the indie community while also bringing attention to the strengths of each of the musicians involved is the magnificent “Head Full of Demons” by Whiskey Club with Stolen From The Sky. Complimenting and making use of taste and leaving space for each artist to shine, particularly throughout the trading of solos which certainly makes the listener’s jaw drop in genuine amazement and the jazz infused backdrop has really given the guitar work of Adam another quality to add to the mixture of musical brilliance he brings to his heavier styled solo work in Stolen from the Sky. It’s a real joy to hear the virtuosic guitar licks within the solo section weave around the piano. And speaking of genius and the piano, this is yet another piece of music John from Whiskey Club where the piano is almost dancing in a dazzling display of musical brilliance. The Trading of Fours between the two in this solo section is a genuine treat. As important as the instrumental beauty is within this is the great songwriting skills underpinning it all. And this is a great SONG to enjoy. John’s voice is also in fine form here and tells a great story (as all good songs do). The sound design is subtle but sublime. Great chordal work in the guitars and piano by Adam and John really do give this song a lift. Indeed, this collaboration between two wonderful artists and musicians of our scene is one excellent example of the harmony that can occur when artists from our community get together and have genuine fun collaborating- both complimenting and highlighting the others strengths. A lesson within a song there for us all.

A genuine genius-in my mind as well as a lot who have read or heard this brilliant man’s work both as an indie artist in his own right, as a supporter of others in our community or in general conversation with this indie legend (some conversations-I swear this man will solve the mysteries of the universe) and definitely not forgetting the intellect or the utmost respect had for the brilliant Whiskers either-the kindness and equally brilliant mind of Whiskers is undeniable-and we have yet another couple from our indie community of whom have become wonderful friends and through a particular collaboration in 2025 (which included the legendary Dashing Skull Club) another lasting and meaningful friendship has been gained from our independent music community and Driven in particular… I could have chosen a number of tracks from Whiskey Club (aliases have been used to protect their secret identity…no one will guess mine…(my middle name is “O’Flaherty” apparently)) however both myself and Miss Pablo 🐈‍⬛🙌💜 could not resist this cute little track composed from a cat's perspective. With a brilliantly crafted and well-chosen triplet riff on the piano at the end of particular phrases- a musical flourish which is an interesting addition to the sound design;quite cat-like. This is really a masterpiece of a song-it wasn’t until around the middle point of the first listen the realisation that the protagonist of this song was a cat dawned on me-with lyrical lines like “I don’t mean to trip you up in any way”, “I’m really just asking you don’t close that door, leaving me on the wrong side like I was before”…and the ohhh! Moment- it’s right there in the chorus refrain and the title… “I know that you love me, I suppose that I love you back-but where your world’s in colour I see just white or black” What a perceptive and insightful way to write about this cat’s thoughts and wishes-both musically and especially lyrically this is an endearing song and one I’ve been wanting to review for this reason alone (it’s been a seemingly long while until this has finally come to pass-even if I’ve known of Whiskey Club since 2024; and this track was released very early 2024…it’s taken this guy until the 6th April 2026 to write about this…) Either way a huge thanks to Whiskey Club for another exquisite piece which has brought a lot of joy and is a sentimental favourite.

Man, there are sooo many songs by this musical genius and a great example of the very heart of our indie community- I’m so glad that I got a chance to give my honest and very humbled opinion (humbled because this song has been one of those releases from our indie community that regularly blow me away with the sheer beauty of the songwriting and elements which befits an artist of the caliber of Whiskey Club and pretty much most of our community in all honesty…) This recent release from our good friend Whiskey Club “Feels Like Home” has been a track I’ve been waiting to comment on since first hearing it (yup it’s quite late in the evening to quote Paul Simon for no other reason than it’s the name of a song-a brilliant one at that, the groove from Steve Gadd? Four sticks anyone?) which happens to coincide with reality here in the land of upside down under. This track is definitely worthy of being recognized by our global indie community for the vocal performance alone…it is a vocal which give you goosebumps with the raw emotions on display and there’s an exceptional moment when Whiskey Club hits that wonderful closing note(I believe we arrive home right there…) The performance of the keys on this particular piece is -as always with this maestro of the keyboard -something to make you feel proud to be sharing this planet and belong to a community brimful of talent with an extraordinary depth that includes legendary artists such as Whiskey Club. The lyrics are again reason to listen through this track as we find ourselves finally hitting that note, that melody, the key that feels like home. We have arrived. Another exquisite piece to add to an indie community that is consistently bringing us brilliance from all around. So very grateful for the opportunity to write about a track that has added another layer to that extraordinary experience which each artist from our indie community brings- a sense of gratitude to all of us who belong to this community and the gift of our life experiences shared through sound to all around our globe. Much appreciated Myles💜🙏❤️and Miss Pablo🐈‍⬛🙌💜 Myles O’Flaherty Music