Recorded at the time he was writing Up Above the City, Down Beneath the Stars, his autobiography, Barry Adamson's new EP drops on Friday. Offering a suitably cinematic sound, the latest release from the seminal musician (Magazine, Visage, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds) is excellent, and the sort of thing that needs to be on your radar in a season heavy with new records.
Steal Away opens with the twang-y "Let's Steal Away", a rush of a tune, before easing nicely into the pop of "Broken Moments". This one is part Scott Walker, part Cave, but full of the indelible sonic touches that Adamson's employed on his many solo records. Elsewhere, "The Climber" is more complex, a neat pastiche of country with a bit of soul, the elegant directness of the cut makes it a highlight here. Things close with "Sundown County", a Bolan-esque stomper that purrs like solo Iggy in the Eighties.
This whole Steal Away EP is concise, and further proof that Adamson's lost none of his vitality as he's aged and progressed towards a direct style. Long-time fans will find the textures winning here, while new listeners will appreciate this for what it is, and the blending of styles. A pleasant surprise in a crowded release season!
Steal Away is out on Friday via Mute.
More details on Barry Adamson via his official website.
[Photo: Mute]