aaamusic | On 14, Apr 2011

Joel Nicholson first gave us a glimpse of his deepest thoughts three years ago with his low-key debut album, ‘Sleep At Your Own Speed’. The record dealt with the fleet-footed uncertainties of growing up, and it was fittingly recorded in the shady confines of his bedroom. Since then Joel has taken a house in Manchester, where the rooms must be sunny and flooded with light; the latest songs, with all their delicate melodies, conjure images of sparkling dust dancing in sunbeams. Taken as a whole, the songs on ‘For Each A Future Tethered’ make up a coherent collection with which Joel continues telling his own personal story, but in doing so he adds a chapter to the history of great songwriting, in the grand tradition of Nick Drake, Paul Simon and Elliott Smith.

The arrangements are also something to savour: ‘For Each A Future Tethered’ contains a wide range of musical accompaniment, with the inclusion of trumpets, clarinets, harmoniums and pianos to name a few, resulting in a rich, full sound. The music is somewhat reminiscent of his labelmates on Morr Music, icelandic collective Seabear, but also of indie-pop greats such as The Lucksmiths. Some songs – like the confident lullaby ‘Cradle Song’ and ‘Blood For The Breeze’ – could be rediscovered standards, while others push the folk music envelope.

But from the word go, “For Each A Future Tethered” is special: the opening number ‘Sign Your Name’ shows measure of depth and tremendous fluidity, with Joel’s voice entwining with the sound of the instruments. Butcher The Bar play folk-pop with a big heart, and anyone who ever wanted to throw their arms around the whole world should feel loved back when listening to this album.

Tracklisting
1. Sign Your Name
2. Bobby
3. Cradle Song
4. Giant
5. Alpha Street West
6. Blood For The Breeze
7. Silk Tilts
8. Sin So Sweet
9. X
10. Cornered To The Cusp
11. Lullaby