Having previously released a number of well-received fuzzy, jangly and melodic records with his bands Rural France and Teenage Tom Petties, Tom Brown is now stepping out under a new solo name, Lone Striker.
A departure from the tonality of both his prior projects, Lone Striker is the sound of rustic, wobbly Americana (think Silver Jews or Sparklehorse) if it came from the north of England.
Recorded at home using a variety of instruments with the addition of samples, loops and found sounds, Tom has spent five years making this record.
The lead singles open the album. Blip One is a wonky bedroom indie masterpiece. It starts and it’s rather unassuming but by the end of the song it’s blossomed into a glorious tapestry of vocal samples, understated guitar, steady song-serving drums and beautiful keys.
This is followed by Dunno which is a dusty folky number which features a tastefully utilized trumpet and an assortment of lyrical themes which touch on introspection, desolation, desperation and the dichotomy of reflection and forethought.
As it progresses the record flip-flops between twee pop songs (Cursed Like Roy, Funny Way Of Showing It), almost-doo-wop (Never Blown A Kiss) bombastic avant-folk (Pinnochio, Cling, Blip Two) and lo-fi indie thumpers (The Cavalry, Holiday Cigarettes).
Our personal highlight is saved for (second to) last. Hurry Up You’re Taking Forever is a melancholy, tender lament; a yearning and bittersweet soundtrack to a protracted separation.
“Lone Striker” is available on vinyl in very limited quantities from Safe Suburban Home (UK), Repeating Cloud (US) and Hidden Bay Records (Europe).
Written by Kinda Grizzly
