ALBUM REVIEW: Slow Town Clock – Crossing Tides

Self-release

Released: 11.08.23

The contemporary folk songs on Jamie Leven’s new album as Slow Town Clock are delicately crafted and deftly executed. Crossing Tides was written in the Outer Hebridean islands, and the songs draw obvious inspiration from the landscape, wildlife and mythology, with each song associated with a different island.

Recording took an equally naturalistic approach; accompanied by Leven’s wife Sophie Wren (vocal harmonies, accordion) and Paul Susans (double bass), John Hirst (vibraphone, percussion, haunted dulcimer) and Dean Parker (electric guitar, mandolin), everything is record live by Julie Bartley at Cupola Studios in Newcastle. The live frisson gives each hushed sound greater importance. Standout tracks include A Giant Hand, Golden Light and closing song The Edge of the Land, which lift the listener into different worlds effortlessly, with canny charm and unhurried pleasure.