What does it sound like?:

“This is a world that I created, light from sweetness and darkness” croaks Gavin Clark, opening this posthumous collaboration with Toybox \ UNKLE alumni Paolo Clements & James Griffith that first appeared on 2014’s Distant Focus EP containing ‘I’ve Got A Future’ that closed Shane Meadows ‘This Is England 1990’ series -itself dedicated to his friend and musical provider. However, it’s not as bleak a listen as his film score work would suggest – actually no it’s fairly bleak stuff at times but uplifting, life affirming as well particularly on ‘Know One Will Ever Know’ with its heavy beats.

The music serves Gavin’s voice without swamping its fragile beauty or rawness – created after his death using his demos. ‘God’s Song’ with it’s baggy Madchester groove finds Clark in defiant mood, roaring “I am the heavens! I Am the Sun” so full of life and energy. Which only makes the quieter, stillness of ‘Whirlwind Of Rubbish’ even more affecting, desolate and lost with an artist left starkly alone at the centre.

His story is an oh so familiar one that we can write it ourselves – talented, shy songwriter, battling inner demons and addictions has God given voice and mind but we only have it for the shortest of times. Yet that doesn’t produce a downer record, its reflective and brooding but there is more light and power than misery and regret.

What does it all *mean*?

Gavin’s work away from Meadows was pretty much ignored during his lifetime so it would be nice if this release got the kudos he deserved. Fair play to all who helped this project to fruition – it’s a fitting tribute to his and their talents.

Goes well with…

A long dark teatime of the soul

Release Date:

Might suit people who like…

Spiritualized
Big Star’s ‘Third’
UNKLE,
Clayhill,
Sunhouse,
Nick Drake