Lives & Times were formed in 1988 by Richard Wileman (guitars, keys, percussion) and Lorna Cumberland (vocals). For the next three years they recorded demos, wrote songs and played gigs with various line-ups but never succeeded in getting a record deal. In January 1991 they split through frustration and later that year Richard formed the No Image label with musician friend Nick Weaver. The first release was a compilation of material by Nick and Richard and Richard then contacted Lorna and they recorded four old Lives & Times songs. As it went so well Nick decided to start a new project, Eternal Energy, and Richard and Lorna resurrected Lives & Times.
‘Rattlebones’ was released in 1992, with Teresa Griffin joining on bass while Richard provides the rest of the instrumentation. Lorna’s voice is clear and pure, immediately bringing forward thoughts of Kate Bush and Maryen Cairns. The music itself moves between straight pop, classical and even New Age, truly a Crossover band if ever there was one. The vocals and music combine well together, but it is the voice to which the listener is really drawn. All of the songs here are good, but nothing really stands out, and while enjoyable is probably the weakest album they released. But given the scarcity of all of their material if you see it, then grab it!
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