When the Bristol band Gravenhurst, first released their sophmore album, ‘Flashlight Seasons’ on Silent Age in 2003, the haunting and melancholic songwriting of Nick Talbot was held under currents of his own small indie label. Fortunately, this album was then re-released on Warp Records in January 2004, beautifully repackaged in high quality card sleeve with lino cut by Nick and an inside painting by Will Schaff. Warp, known mostly as an electronica label, took a peculiar and brave step in releasing this folk inspired album, giving it much deserved exposure to a wider audience.
Frontman Nick Talbot composed the entirety of this musically rich album and plays elegant and intricate finger-picked guitar with bass notes. His hauntingly melodic voice rises over songs filled with light drums and erie keyboard textures.
Gravenhurst has now expanded to a three-piece sonic folk ensemble, with Paul Nash on vocals, guitars and electronic devices, and Dave Collingwood on drums. The band sounds as if Nick Drake was reserected and working with Sigur Ros. Simon & Garfunkel & Duruti Column come to mind but much more focused, chilling and powerful.
The opening track "Tunnels," begins with a distant booming drum, a light ride and a melodic keyboard against gentle rythmic guitar. Nick softly whispers his poetic lyrics, "Tunnels we dig into our tired souls/rip up the foundation/ expose all the holes/tearing away at the tense and frayed supports/I understand anger, I know what it's for."
Another stand out track on this album is the gentle waltz "Fog Around the Figurehead." Led by guitar and Talbot's voice singing "You'll find yourself painting your windows so you don't have to look at what's hammering outside your door," as deep bass and light drums gently pat like rain drops falling on rooftops.
"The Diver" which is now released on an EP, begins with an intricate high melody on acoustic guitar while simultaneously playing a bass line. He sings in a higher range "I am never frightened no I am never afraid and you will never understand the depths I sink to light your way," showcasing his tremendous vocal cababilties.
"Damage," and "Damage II," are folky Simon & Garfunkel-esque songs. On "Damage," his guitar shimmers as he desperately laments, "Emily don’t go to the house tonight/stay on your own/count your blessings/hold onto them tight."
"Flashlight Seasons" is both addictive and beautifully foreboding. In my opinion, it is 2004's "Album of the Year," though technically released in 2003. If you're a fan of Simon & Garfunkel, Kings of Convienience, or the late Elliott Smith and Nick Drake mixed with ambient textures i.e. Sigur Ros or Múm, this is the album for you. |