Liverpudlian Psych Acid-Blues-Folkers of Arrow Hill return with thirteen tracks of nigh on perfection. The only thing better than hearing a great album, is hearing one of your favourite bands back firing on all cylinders on their new record. This is what’s happened on of Arrowe Hill’s new album A Conspiracy of Clocks. After a couple of lo-fi semi-acoustic albums, they are back with a full band and a fuller sound. A Conspiracy of Clocks is crammed full of the kind of distinctive psychedelic acid blues that has made them one of the most exciting bands of the last 14 years.
These Owls of Mine opens the albums: sounding like a skiffle guitar battle, it winds and intertwines for 66 seconds then lead singles …& That’s What Really Happened Blues and Around the Corner help to consolidate the album in fine style. Both showcase singer songwriter Adam Easterbrook skill of storytelling and love of word play, the first is about a rather fun night out and what REALLY happened on it. The second is a faux-calypso jaunt, that despite the jauntiness of the music possess a melancholic feel lyrically. Classic Easterbrook. Just when you think you have the song worked out, BAM, he throws in a line and you suddenly start questioning if what he’s saying he actually means. Eat your heart out Kafka! Also there is a wonderful flute solo that really ties the song together.
Against the run of the tracklisting there is an instrumental track, that gives the band a chance to stretch their musical muscles. To call it a highlight is an understatement, Whatever that Means sounds like something you seen on the re-runs of Beat Club. It’s rammed full of jangly riffs and tight harmonies, despite the morbid theme of the final track, it ends on a light note with both the best and worst joke ever.
‘A Conspiracy of Clocks’ shows you that all you need are ideas and everything else is possible. While the production is pretty lo-fi, the subtle layers and textures give the tracks something that would have been missing if the recording had been plusher. On A Conspiracy of Clocks, Adam Easterbrook has successfully written an album full of catchy rhythms and macabre lyrics, that is perfect for winter listening. When playing the album at home, you want to pull the curtains, dim the lights and keep warm. Personally I like listening to it while having a brisk walk, and pulling my scarf and coat tighter round my neck while having my hands well and truly rammed in my pockets. So same time again next year then Adam?
[Rating:4.5]
