Album Review by Mark Bayross
The second album from Clayhill after 2004’s SMALL CIRCLE pretty much continues where that record left off. It begins in understated fashion with the bizarrely but presumably illustratively titled BEARD before the familiar electro-indie-folk strains of SUFFER NOT emerge.
HECTOR’S LAUGH is atmospheric, catchy and strangely uplifting while recent single HALFWAY ACROSS is positively jaunty, something of a contrast to the underlying air of melancholy that pervades the album and seeps through strongly on the likes of HANG ON and the haunting MARI SOL. Standing out however is the rousing FORTRESS, strings and all – evidence that Clayhill can do more than just whisper unsettling melody.
Again fans of Talk Talk or Peter Gabriel will find plenty here to flick their switch, although Gavin Clark’s plaintive vocals may become wearisome after too many listens. Maybe take this one in small doses…
