Introducing the latest album from the Queen of British psych-pop, the inimitable Jane Weaver, an artist with whom I'm on a nod, smile, and limited small talk terms with I'll have you know!
My initial thought is that this new album sounds heavier than her previous release, the poptastic 'Flock', but that isn't necessarily bad, far from it. The record feels a little more stripped back and darker, but Weaver's voice is, as ever, beautifully delicate, floating over each song.
The shift in musical style, probably influenced by her decision to collaborate with longtime PJ Harvey partner John Parish, is a testament to her constant growth as an artist. The result is an album that marks an evolution in her sound while retaining her unique Jane-ness (yes, that is a thing before you ask).
This album keeps the listener on their toes, changing direction from the funky synths of 'Perfect Storm' to the soft rock and scuzzy guitars on 'Emotional Components' to the stripped-back vocal and acoustic number 'Motif'.
Elsewhere, 'The Axis And The Seed' reminds me of Sault with its heavy bass beat and sparse arrangement, and then 'Happiness In Proximity' pivots again, starting all jazzy and bright before going dark and fuzzy.
The track I've played the most is 'Univers,' which is stripped back but gently builds as Weaver sings about the anticipatory grief she was dealing with when writing this album. It's beautiful.
Some reviews mention that parts of the album hark back to her earlier, folkier work. I have yet to delve into the back catalogue enough to experience this, but I will after listening to this album.
I can't wait to see these tracks at The Arts Club in Liverpool later in the month. Who knows, she might get another nod, smile, and some more limited small talk after the gig…but only if she plays 'The Architect' (my favourite song from her album 'Modern Kosmology', which was criminally missed off the playlist at the last gig I saw - not that I mentioned it to her or anything!!!).
The album is available on traditional vinyl for about £22, indies exclusive vinyl with a deluxe cold foil gold effect sleeve for about £27 or this limited to 1000 copies Rough Trade exclusive clear vinyl housed in reverse die-cut sleeve also for £27.