Loaded Album of the week

Gene’s much-anticipated return has been received with sell-out gigs and rave live reviews, and Apollo Live stands as a definitive testament to why the band was so much more than a mere ‘Smiths derivative’ as many touted. The album radiates a raw, soulful energy that studio recordings sometimes smoothed over. From the moment the first chord rings out, there is an undeniable sense of atmosphere. It’s a mix of sophisticated musicianship and the charged, intimate connection between the band and a devoted audience.

Martin Rossiter’s vocal performance is nothing short of spectacular, proving he was one of the most underrated frontmen of the 1990s. His delivery alternates effortlessly between a vulnerable croon and a powerful, defiant belt, imbuing tracks like "Olympian" and "Where Are They Now?" with renewed emotional weight. Steve Mason’s guitar work is equally impressive, layering melodic textures that feel expansive and cinematic, while Matt and Kevin provide a tight, punchy foundation that keeps the energy levels soaring throughout the set.

What makes Apollo Live truly essential is its ability to bottle the "lightning in a jar" essence of a great night out. This is a proper celebration of a band that wore its heart on its sleeve and possessed the technical chops to back up its lofty ambitions. For long-time fans, it is a nostalgic treasure, and for newcomers, it serves as the perfect introduction to the high-drama, high-reward world of Gene.  

Let Gene be your guide back to a time when life was much simpler, but somehow seemed much more complicated.

Check out our interview with Martin and Matt.