Withered Hand, “New Gods” (Slumberland, 2014)
Scottish singer-songwriter’s epic encounter with the mystery of California and America, somewhat reminiscent in those terms of Van Morrison’s great “Saint Dominic’s Preview” LP, but it’s 40 years later and so the pop-folk references are Aztec Camera, Belle and Sebastian, etc. But there’s a toughness and sense of open space to the post-twee lyricism here that’s unique to this guy’s work and makes a good case for the enduring creative-shock potential of coming to America for British-Isles artists.
Try 4, 5, 9
4/7/19