IAN SINCLAIR draws attention to the powerful role that literature plays in foreseeing the way humanity will deal with climate crisis
Latest editorial
Album reviews with IAN SINCLAIR: April 8, 2024
New releases from Toby Hay & Aidan Thorne, Julia Holter and Pernice Brothers
IS albums
High quality pulp, rollicking online murders, Abnorman Britain, and high skates drama: reviews of The Get Off, Everyone In The Group Chat Dies, Pagans and First To Fall
DENNIS BROE notes what happens to content when the streaming giants incorporate AI and deregulation into their economic models
New releases from The Tenementals, Nik Bartsch’s Ronin, and Kuunatic
SCOTT ALSWORTH hears the call to burn down and rebuild the video game industry from the bottom up
The Chinese language only introduced a feminine pronoun in the 1920s. Now, it might adopt a gender-inclusive one, suggests JANET DAVEY
ALEX HALL is intrigued by a detailed history of Gaza that demonstrates its historic resilience and changing economy
Toby Hay & Aidan Thorne
after a pause
(Cambrian Records)
★★★★
WITH spring edging in with the promise of warmer and brighter days, Toby Hay’s & Aidan Thorne’s first album as a duo seems particularly timely.
The instrumental set of contemporary folk was recorded over three days in between lockdowns in summer 2021. I’ve long been a huge fan of Radnorshire-based acoustic guitar virtuoso Hay, and it’s a real pleasure to hear him work so well with bassist Thorne, who has recently moved to mid-Wales himself.
On the pastoral sounds of Bard and She Who Causes Auspicious Things, Thorne’s performance brings to mind the hazy summer vibes of Dave Pegg’s celebrated bass playing on Nick Drake’s Bryter Layter album, while the wonderful Careful and Burden craft a more moody atmosphere.
More from this author
While the group known as the Colourists certainly reinvigorated Scottish painting, a new show is a welcome chance to reassess them, writes ANGUS REID
ANGUS REID recommends an exquisite drama about the disturbing impact of the one child policy in contemporary China
The phrase “cruel to be kind” comes from Hamlet, but Shakespeare’s Prince didn’t go in for kidnap, explosive punches, and cigarette deprivation. Tam is different.
ANGUS REID deconstructs a popular contemporary novel aimed at a ‘queer’ young adult readership
