Anything even remotely acoustic and folky nowadays seems destined to be compared to the tragic beauty of Nick Drake, and The Blue Trees is about to join the club.
Whilst it is an album full of gentle warmth and fragile feeling, it is also full of contentment and happiness, ending any such comparison with its charming smile. A 25-minute distillation of the few sunny days we seem to get each year, songs like "Fresher Than The Sweetness In Water" are subtle swells of emotion rather than the slap in the face "cheer up, you old bugger" bubblegum indiepop that you'd expect when people describe "feelgood" music. Gorky's craftsmanship with violin, piano and acoustic guitar and lead singer Euros Childs' unique vocals describe precious moments perfectly, and preserve them 'til they fall upon our fortunate ears. Instrumental tracks such as opener "The Blue Trees" and "Wrong Turnings" feed the emotions, and more distinctive and descriptive tracks such as "This Summer's Been Good From The Start" and "Lady Fair" mould them into a satisfied, relaxed form. Introduction of a moody organs both backing and directing the melody on "Foot and Mouth '68" bring a chill to the proceedings, a dusk to the sunny day, however the overall brightness of mood remains.
So, as Autumn runs into Winter, washed round the calendar by an endless torrent, try "The Blue Trees" for some seasonal escapism, and if you've not yet heard them, a very pleasant introduction to a talented band.
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8Andy Extance's Score