In this edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team reviews new releases from Book of Churches, Dusty 4 Track, Firmament and JJ Lovegrove...
Album: Dusty 4 Track - How Did I Get Here
Husky vocals, bluesy keys and the kind of poetically stark reflections on life that come at the wrong end of a night of drinking make up this long awaited release from Will Jeffery (94 Gunships) and Benjamin James (KaBen). With six singles and countless live performances garnering the duo quite a following over the past few years, this album has evidently been distilled over time like a fine cask whisky, and provides many delicious drams, for fans of Tom Waits and Townes Van Zandt. From the dazed, happy-go-lucky vibes of Metronome and Waster, to the resonant riffs of the exceptional How Did I Get Here (which perfectly evokes the rueful headache after a night of questionable choices). Then to clear any hint of hangover, the cycle is topped off by the foot-stomping Get Down and Dancing Shoes, reminding us once again of the fun of a little debauchery. Get ready for the vinyl pre-launch gig on 11 April at Rough Trade and full release on 5 June. @dusty4track (Sophie Gargett)
EP: Firmament - Ashes & Awakenings
Local metalheads are likely to find Firmament’s recently released EP an awesome auditory experience, taking you on a roller coaster ride which highlights the trials of everyday life. The five songs form a narrative, with one track leading into the next, neatly combining various rock and metal strands, fashioned in the fire of their own musical forge. The first track, New Tomorrow, starts gently with Adele's introspective vocals holding court before thunderous guitars hit you full on, hinting of a phoenix like resurgence. This idea is reinforced in Through Tempests with its relentless guitar licks, heavy drumming and soaring vocals, whilst the powerful riffing and fascinating vocals of Shadow Game and Caged suggest a recognition of relief from the challenges of everyday life. Finally, Cry For The World, with its exquisite ethereal vocals mixing with high powered guitar flourishes, offers a cautionary message to mankind in true heavy metal style. Firmament embark on a nationwide tour next month, starting at Nottingham’s Saltbox on 8th May. @firmamentuk (Claire Spencer)
Single: JJ Lovegrove - Celandine
Cinematic drama, a long build, subtle layering of powerful guitar with piano and vibey-synths... with Celandine, JJ Lovegrove has created another intensely evocative soundscape. Her inspirations are rooted in our locality, but her vision extends to far reaches of the universe, and that is where her music will take you, too. Her vocals haunt the song, fading in and out, leading but not overpowering, and above all providing a sense of intimacy even within the vast landscape the music leads us to inhabit.
Celandine is the second single taken from JJ Lovegrove's next album (due for release on 29th May) which was inspired by local writer D.H. Lawrence. @jjlovegrove (Phil Taylor)
Album: Book of Churches - Book of Churches
Book of Churches is the solo project of Divorce’s co-vocalist, Felix Mackenzie-Barrow, and after listening to his recent single, Song for a Stranger, I recognised that here was a rare talent, with the ability to present his music in a very minimalist form. My hopes that this album would deliver the same degree of excellence as the single have met all expectations, and what really astounds me is that this 10-track masterpiece was written one day and recorded the next, using just two mics, an acoustic guitar and a phone full of notes.
Felix invites you to explore the deepest recesses of his mind with some wonderfully meaningful lyrics which embrace a dreamlike disconnect from the complications of everyday life. The opening track, Song for a Stranger, is contemplative, likewise All The Good Things, with its gentle banjo, delicately revisits memories of previous relationships. Two songs about flying, North Atlantic Ocean and Catalpa in the Sky, add emphasis to the blurred timeline experienced while travelling, as does I Lean.
The author expresses his discomfort in The Quiet Was A Heron after witnessing the shooting of this lovely creature, before Stones In Your Bag, highlighting the simple pleasures of togetherness, sublimely concludes what is a remarkable album. @bookofchurches (Claire Spencer)
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