When two Britpop comets collide

As Liam Gallagher and John Squire prepare to release a first album together, are we peering out towards a sonic “rainbow” or “just another” damp squib? [OPINION]

Ok so I’m a Stone Roses fan, a huge one. But I’m a much keener guitarist and I love the Roses in a similar way to Led Zeppelin – for me, it’s about John Squire and Jimmy Page. Both these iconic British guitarists have been more like teachers that I studied, mimicked and continue to use as motivation for my own noodling.

So predictably, I still dearly love the Roses’ much-maligned sophomoric album "Second Coming" (1994) with the swampy Zepp-like drop D riffage of "Love Spreads" remaining a touchstone. To me growing up, Squire was god (aka Clapton) and his subsequent outings in The Seahorses ("Love Is The Law") and as a solo artist ("Time Changes Everything") were largely met with my devoted approval, not derision.

As for Oasis, I’m much more flaky. At time of release I enjoyed landmark debut "Definitely Maybe" (1994) and for me frontman Liam Gallagher has never sounded better on songs neither brother ever bettered. There was a warm naivety to his vocal delivery, understandably, that the subsequent Lennon-cum-Lydon sneering leaves cold. Attitude? In bundles, but musical? Sketchy.

So when dear friend, ex-colleague and fellow Roses nut James Thornton and I briefly mused on this anticipated collaboration over our Christmas pleasantries, it was more with trepidation than excitement.

Since then we’ve had two songs to digest, with announcements of the "Liam Gallagher John Squire" album and tour to follow. First single "Just Another Rainbow" was a Marmite effort that has largely divided would-be fans.

Built around a chordal lick (G major, if bothered) the guitar work is simple, melodic and typically plucked well enough. Swirly and psychedelic in tone, it’s more “ok” than mind-blowing. Even when the awkwardly long solo is at its most interesting, this sounds more like a less inventive guitarist doing his best impersonation of Squire impersonating The Who’s Pete Townsend. Functional, but fairly forgettable.

Ironically, it’s probably LG who exceeds expectation. His reverb-drenched vocals are decent and he at least puts conviction into some very questionable lyrics. Keen-eyed YouTube detectives have speculated that the rather glib "Just Another Rainbow" in fact rearranges into a veiled reference to Stone Roses vocalist Ian Brown. Just a co-inky-dink? Maybe, but “Ice Cold Cube” Johnny does have form with anagrams… (Shoe-in for a Countdown conundrum that lad, just saying)

Anyway, the seemingly throwaway nature of the words does echo similar criticisms of the Roses’ reformation single "All For One" from 2016. That one was weak but a grower and I can imagine "Just Another Rainbow" will garner more receptive support when played for delirious crowds in March.

Second album release comes in the form of "Mars To Liverpool" and a shuffling ode to returning home. Here the “Journey IS the Trip,” apparently. This one is a much better pop song in composition, with Squire trading in Townsend for George Harrison. The various guitar motifs and melodic hooks are reminiscent at times of "Here Comes the Sun" (The Beatles), "Handle With Care" (The Traveling Wilburys) and "Badge" (Cream/Eric Clapton) etc etc. All those classic songs had the mark of St. George and that descending chromatic root note turnaround. But crucially the playing serves the song far more cohesively and concisely overall. Liam’s on similar form again and it’s just, well, better, ok?

So to bring everything back to the start, and whether we should care. Overall there are few surprises so far and that general predictability will likely serve the intended purpose. Nostalgic fans who are determined to love what the duo do, no matter what, aren’t likely to be disappointed. Enjoy it, have fun with your heroes and don’t scrutinise it too harshly.

What do I personally think? Well, I’m just a bit more of a cynical old musical snob, I suppose. Maybe file the new album under the pre-save on Spotify option first as opposed to pre-buying on well, anything. On the evidence thus far, I’ll stick to my bet-hedging WhatsApp prediction made to dear James: "I’d guess both guys have long since made their best work (sideways laughing emoji)"

… Ahh, but what wonderful work it was too, eh?

“Liam Gallagher John Squire” the debut album drops on March 1st 2024 with UK tour dates following throughout the month.