Close Your Eyes And Think Of Nothing
Self-Released, 2020
9/10
Listen to Close Your Eyes And Think Of Nothing
Though they’ve only been together for a few years, England’s Pavey Ark make quite an impression on this debut album, where their alt-folk ideas are fleshed out with plenty of attention to detail and an optimal amount of layered beauty amid the adventurous template.
“Wallflowers” starts the listen with warm acoustic picking as a lush atmosphere unfolds with folk influenced prettiness, and “Cuckoo” follows with a galloping spirit as violin and cello build an orchestral angle on the mesmerizing track.
Near the middle, “Two Blue Lines” moves with a gentle and breezy delivery of dreamy melodies, while “Hidden Hills” puts a unique spin on indie-rock with incredible interplay between the many players. “She’s Already Flown”, one of the best tracks, then glides with expressive vocals from frontman Neil Thomas and his strong guitar illuminates the thoughtful landscape.
Close to the end, “Jenny Let Go” stays sparse with playful ukulele and charming backing vocals from Jenny Thomas, and “Consider Your Hand” exits the listen soft and emotive, effectively putting the exclamation point on this very meticulous effort.
Thomas wrote every tune present here, and he’s got a knack for poetic, balanced and cautious songwriting that draws some creative parallels to Radiohead’s best work, and I don’t see how anyone could have a problem with that.
Travels well with: Big Fox- See How The Light Falls; Thom Yorke- Anima