Mancunian outfit Rough Fields is the stage name for eclectic electro folk artist James Birchell. His lo-fi, acoustic sound sees him draw strength from his classical and minimalist roots in his latest venture The Harbour Wall.
In follow up to ‘You as you’ and the atmospheric ‘Watery Fable’, The Harbour Wall is a laid back, mixed selection of recent works. His social networking resume includes a long list of different genres and locations he has worked and based himself creatively within. Not totally sure where the ‘Acid Techno’ relevance is on this album, The Harbour Wall does however collect Birchell’s folk sentiment with a melancholic and peaceful taste.
The Harbour Wall is a heartfelt occurrence, in places using solely instrumental recordings through the two center pieces ‘Waller’s Cut and ‘Edge on the firelight’. Experimental found-sounds complete a journey in Birchell’s recordings and what may be perceived as pipe organs in the flag ship track ‘Manila’ conjure up an Icelandic ‘Sigur Ros’ sensation.
‘Behave’ is a highlight of this short release that will delight fans of Adem’s ‘Homesongs’.
The genius of this EP is its endearing cosmic quality which provides a real sense of emotional feeling throughout the album. The Harbour Walls is available digitally and on classic tape, such is its analogue and acoustic feel, it seems an appropriate format.
Birchall may have been a participant in the rave scene in his youth, maybe he just went a little too ‘hard’ and his folktronic output is his emotional comedown.
Tracks
Order and preview the EP on Bandcamp
The Harbour Walls is released on a great little label who make up for their size with their huge passion for detail! Bomb Shop
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