It's no lie - I have favourite labels when it comes to reviewing new releases. Some labels I know are going to send me something that not only will I enjoy listening to once, but that get better with each listen. SimG is one of those labels, so I was pleased to be sent their new release - the concept cast recording of Dan Looney's musical The Confession Room. This is Looney's debut music, and the song ‘Excalibur93’ from the show was a finalist in the 2013 Stiles & Drewe Song Prize. He has previously written music for Judy, The Righteous (Trafalgar Studios & King's Head Theatre).

The Confession Room is a new original British musical about a group of people who come to The Confession Room to spill their most embarrassing confessions and stories; a way of getting it off of their chest in front of a group of strangers rather than the humiliation they may face in telling their friends. We see confessions of all types: from hysterical stories to unbelievable tales, from sexual fantasies to touching moments of grief; the show is a message of how not to bottle up your feelings. But can the counsellor Caroline get over her own personal problems? And can she cope with new member Oliver whose opinions begin to divide the group - but won't reveal why he is in the room himself?

The cast on the recording is as stronger cast as you will get anywhere. Anna-Jane Casey (Billy Elliot, Spamalot, Chicago), Dean Chisnall (Shrek, Love Never Dies, Never Forget), Alex Gaumond (Top Hat, We Will Rock You, Legally Blonde), and Ross Hunter (Rock of Ages, Legally Blonde, We Will Rock You) all feature here, and deliver solid performances. As do the rest of the company, all drawn from London's Arts Education College. They are all backed up by a 10 piece band, which sound good, although some of the orchestrations could do with some further work.

As for the content, there are some great songs on here.  I didn't get any idea of the story from the CD, which is a shame, although the CD booklet gives a good account, and includes some great photos, and bios, which is always good to see. But even in listening, it sounds like a musical - a strange thing to say you may think, but quite often I get sent CDs that are supposed to be musicals, but just sound like a collection of songs.  This has coherence, and the songs sound like they fit together. I loved several of them - in particular 'Let Me Just Dream' and 'Perfect'. The vocal arrangements on this album are some of the strongest I've heard on this type of recording, and both the arranger and performers alike need congratulating on that. There is a good injection of comedy into the recording - 'Ditzy Blonde' being my favourite, but there are several moments that had me smiling whilst listening.

All in all, one of the strongest concept recordings I've heard this year, and another gem from SimG Records.  Certainly something I hope to hear more of in the future. It's been a guilty pleasure that I don't mind confessing.

9

Ian Gude