A dusty, creaky sound full of melancholic minor keys made by classical guitars, pianos, accordions, mandolins and a sparse drum kit is the introduction to this gorgeous album from Directorsound. What sounds like a quartet sitting in a warm room playing these late night paeans to real emotions is in fact the work of one man – Nick Palmer, a literary student who hails from Dorset in the UK.
Evoking the sounds of obvious parallels including Ennio Morricone’ quieter moments, Ry Cooder’ “Paris Texas†Soundtrack and Calexico circa the “Black Light†album, Palmer began recording in 2001 on a borrowed quarter inch reel to reel machine at the age of 22. Remarkable really, considering the maturity and resonance he evokes within these 14 instrumental works. Nothing is overplayed and repeated listens reveal quiet counter melodies and field recordings floating away in the murky background of several of the tunes. The way Palmer is able to bring out such strong emotions via his simple craft and head for minor key melodies make this a nostalgic listen, transporting us to an imagined past, perhaps a 1950’s black and white romance film set in the Mediterranean. Best enjoyed alone or with a special someone, preferably late at night, this is intimate music at it’s finest and I recommend it highly. One of the nicest albums I’ve heard in years.
