Big Sun Records [Release date 07.03.25]
Third album from Chris Brain in nearly as many years with his debut, ‘Bound to Rise’, released in 2022, followed by ‘Steady Away’ released in the following year. Both are worth seeking out and adding to your collection.
‘New Light’ was recorded across two contrasting settings – the intimacy of Chris Brain’s allotment shed in the quiet, early hours of the morning, and the Nave Studios in Leeds.
Much to savour and enjoy on here including the wistful guitar playing on ‘Sun Did Glide’, as Chris’s vocals evoke such greats as Nick Drake and Ralph McTell. ‘Into the North’ is wonderful on the headphones as guitar, piano and violin weave in and out seamlessly of the vocals.
The album’s only instrumental, ‘Rolling On’, is a dreamy piece, followed by possibly the album highlight ‘Shooting Star’. On this one the backing vocals of either Hannah Burgess or Zoe Cure (who played the violin on the aforementioned ‘Into the North’), add an extra bit of musical sparkle.
Chris Brain is deserving of the plaudits he’s gained as he is quite simply one of the finest young folk singers in the UK today. His singing alone should be enough to entice in the casual listener. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
Mar. 09 Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
Mar. 14 St Pancras Old Church, London
Mar.15 The Folklore Rooms, Brighton
Mar. 16 Bristol Folk House, Bristol
Mar. 18 Outside, Bantham, Devon
Mar. 19 The Jamcafe, Nottingham
Mar. 20 Temperance, Leamington Spa
Mar. 24 The Lantern Theatre, Sheffield
Mar. 25 The Crescent, York
Mar. 26 The New Adelphi, Hull
Mar. 27 The Trades Club, Hebden Bridge
Mar. 28 Gullivers, Manchester
Mar. 30 Leith Depot, Edinburgh
Apr. 01 The Glad Cafe, Glasgow
Apr. 02 The Cluny, Newcastle
Apr. 05 The Sunflower Pub, Belfast
Apr. 06 Whelans, Dublin
Aug. 23 The Wake Festival 2025, Wisborough Green
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
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Power Plays w/c 24 March 2025
HARRI LARKIN Too Close To The Sun (Robot Distro)
SANDNESS Not Your Dog (Rockshots Records)
DOCTOR BLACK Drag Me Down (indie)
COHEED AND CAMBRIA Goodbye Sunshine (Virgin Music Group)
LEONI JANE KENNEDY Closer (indie)
SMALL TOWN POLITICS Red Lights (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 24 March 2025
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
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