With 3 albums self-released in the last two years, Ann Arbor 24-years-old Chris Bathgate is already a confirmed talent in the folk nebula.
If “Serpentine” intro song could remind me the alternate pop piano style of canadian Royal Wood or some Arcade Fire tempo, the following track (The Last Parade on Ann St) is a full invitation in Bathgate’s new craft which is a delicate balance oscillating between folk, rock and chamber pop, melting violons, pianos and even judicious trumpets. This last album contains also some thiner song as the closing one (”Coda”) simply but acoustically beautiful and so imprevisible. Unpredictable it might be the seducing part of Chris songwriting : from a track to another but also inside a piece itself. His intimate and intense voice that could be compared to Will Oldham or Damien Jurado - is another listening pleasure. ‘A Cork Tale Wake’ is a really mature and creative release.
Hope the two following tracks will encourage you to discover ‘A Cork Tale Wake’. His previous releases ‘Throatsleep’ and ‘Silence is for Suckers’ both worth your attention.
Ann Arbor folk scene is a deep pond and while browsing the web seeking information about Chris, I had the pleasure to discover Matt Jones - keep connected to the crazy dreamers, as his music deserves a future post !
Artist : Chris Bathgate
Label : Quite Scientific Records
More reviews : Celestial Biscuit - Mammoth Press
Similar & related artists : Will Oldham, Breathe Owl Breathe, Matt Jones, Iron & Wine.
Olly, I see Trini is not the only music soul mate I have. Have this disc and love it. Check out his “Throatsleep” collection as well. I believe it is download only.
Actually, you can purchase a hard copy of Throatsleep here:
http://foxonahill.com/store/
-Susan