Alexi Murdoch does not shy away from his traditionally intimate and soothing vocals in “Towards the Sun,” a follow up to his 2006 album “Time Without Consequence.”
The indie folk musician recorded all the tracks to “Towards the Sun” in a single night using a tape machine.
In this new album, the London native shows his maturation as a singer and musician.
Murdoch has often been compared to the popular cult favorite, Nick Drake. Drake, who died at the young age of 26 in 1974, is recognized more nowadays than in his era of the late 1960s. Drake’s earthy, raw musical style definitely lives on in Murdoch.
Murdoch’s sound, which could be described as organic, yet slightly atmospheric, captivates the listener.
The EP covers the traditional topics of love, heartache, family troubles and life in general, but Murdoch channels these topics into beautiful and melodic songs. There are a
lso moments of personal reflections noted in the songs of “Towards the Sun.”
The lyrics of the song “Crinan Wood” state, “Music came to me; it came across the sound; how you laughed and shone and danced a circle ‘round.”
The lyrics have an air of mystery woven within them, while also producing raw honesty.
Murdoch produces a more direct and personal tone within many of the songs on the new EP. He maintains this by his wintry, whispering sound of his voice and his use of finger-picking on his guitar.
Although the actual sound of “Towards the Sun” is seemingly similar to his earlier album, the folk sound is amplified greatly on his new album.
It has a consistency to it which is of nature; the sound produced through his guitar playing is almost woodsy.
Murdoch’s atmospheric and mystical tones combine well with his rich, nature referencing lyrics. All these components mixed together make for an exceptional and unique album.
4.5 / 5
