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TIMOTHY BLACKMAN: Everybody Needs Something To Hold Onto

To a background in classical, grunge and punk music, Blackman can now add folk to his genre list. Recorded in an old church near Wellington, this sparse, solitary and melancholy album reveals a maturity no doubt fostered during his extensive travels. Off the back of several European trails and tours (especially around Berlin), presumably armed with a collection of Nick Drake albums, he came home to put his thoughts into these acoustic songs. Soft piano, gentle guitar strumming and a basic drum set in the far corner of the room add backing to long sweeping low violin notes and his sombre voice. This is not a happy album. It’s deep, in voice and in thought, and at times wavering and poignant. Produced by Timothy Armstrong it features a number of other Wellington musicians and the playing, recording and mixing is excellent. All of this gives Blackman plenty of space to tell his tales, especially on the haunting track Wolves. With extra touches added throughout, like delicately high pitched violin strumming and an accordion, you’re left in an oddly quiet place at the end of this album.

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