Co-Pilgrim
Album: Plumes
Label: Battle Music
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.co-pilgrim.co.uk/

It's a strange thing death and the multitude of ways it affects people. Sometimes it will only bring misery, but other times it brings an added gratitude and appreciation for life. Sometimes it will bring something great out of the ashes, sparking creativity, a new idea. Plumes is an example of this, taking song-writer Mike Gale's melancholic feelings of loss and grief for his late father and merging them with an enthusiasm for life, a hope pushing you to consider these situations with a new light.

Co-Pilgrim's third album is a perfect collaboration of daydream music. Sat on a long-distance train to King's Cross I found myself listening to it over and over letting the music merge with my thoughts lifting me away from the present moment I found myself mulling over the harmonies, looking out of the window feeling (however temporary) more relaxed, at ease. The loudness of my thoughts and worries lost in this this calming and dreamy album-a waking lullaby that soothes the quiet of an overactive brain.

From the album cover you might expect to find Beach Boy's happy holiday music or possibly the trance like drifting of Tame Impala but instead you will find elevated strings and elegant harmonies laced with a fullness that is sure to leave you contented. Swirling West Coast melodies easily glide over steel guitar in a similar fusion to that which once produced bands like The Byrds and Crosby Stills and Nash.

In case this simply sounds like a recipe for sleep, 'Grew into something new' the opening track on the album lifts you out of the gloom, echoing out hope. This is a song, which will have you only an arms length from singing out, stomping your feet with your new feeling of elevation and confidence. It contrasts sharply with 'It's curtains for me', the closing track which provides almost seven minutes of deep reflection, taking you back, reminding you of your own sorrow and almost self pity, allowing you the time to grieve before pulling yourself together and continuing on through the mist.

If you enjoy the sounds of High Highs and Paper Kites this is an album worth listening to, so why not try Co-Pilgrim's back catalogue?

Leah Parker-Turner