Broadcast The Secret Verse
Self-Released, 2022
10/10
Listen to Broadcast The Secret Verse
A UK artist with a penchant for dream-folk ideas, this 4th album from Chris Cleverley welcomes John Patrick Elliott (The Little Unsaid/Reveal Records) on production duties for the lo-fi folk, ambient, IDM, dream-pop and post-rock influenced affair.
“Borderlands” begins the listen with a very calming, meditative quality, where warm acoustic guitar and gentle singing makes an impression that might remind you of Elliott Smith amid the hazy backing vocals, and “Chlorophyll” follows with a flowing, folk based template that benefits much from Rob Pemberton’s agile drumming.
In the middle, the darker textures of “Eight Of Swords” recruit Lukas Drinkwater’s atmospheric bass and plenty of dense, ambient waves for the cinematic appeal, while “Paradise” is upbeat, melodic and showcases Cleverley’s skilled acoustic guitar and absorbing vocals for the superb dream-folk.
Advancing towards the end, “The Centre Cannot Hold” uses firm piano strategically in the emotive and precisely layered album highlight, and “If I’d Have Listened” exits the listen with a wiser Cleverley looking back and reflecting with a full, pop friendly finish.
Whether this is your first time with Cleverley or you’re an unwavering fan, you’re going to find much to enjoy, and the acutely effective nylon string guitar, banjo synths, piano, programming, ukulele, and ebow from Cleverley, not to mention Lucy Farrell’s vocals, Kathy Pilkinton’s vocals, Graham Coe’s cello and Ellliot’s piano and programming, certainly adds to the captivating experience.
Travels well with: Tod Lippy- Closer Than They Appear; Ewan MacFarlane- Always Everlong