Author: chemikscott
Emma Pollock ‘In Search Of Harperfield’
A mere five and a half years after the angular splendidness of her Chemikal solo debut ‘The Law of Large Numbers‘, Emma’s finally delivered, not only its follow-up, but an album that’s up there with the very best in our catalogue. Clocking in at just under 45 minutes, the eleven tracks making up ‘In Search of Harperfield‘ showcase Emma’s songwriting at its richly lyrical best.
From the string-drenched grandeur of ‘Intermission’ and ‘Dark Skies’, through the leftfield pop of ‘Parks and Recreation’ and ‘Vacant Stare’ to the complex, dark flamboyance of ‘Old Ghosts’ and ‘Monster In The Pack’ (replete with RM Hubbert cameo) ‘In Search of Harperfield’ effortlessly scales the peaks of her tenure with The Delgados while recalling the eccentric flair of Kate Bush, the intricate melodicism of Sandy Denny and, in Old Ghosts, the wistful melancholy of Dusty Springfield. Yes, it’s that good.
And it’s not just us that think so…
“beautifully crafted…an excellent record”
MOJO [4/5]
“The Dusty Springfield of cerebral indie pop. In a field of her own”
UNCUT [8/10]
“sumptuous songs…bewitching…breathtaking”
THE SUNDAY TIMES
“one of our most vital, poetic and singular voices – a career high”
THE HERALD
“Emma’s best work yet”
SCOTTISH DAILY EXPRESS [5/5]
“a poignant but punchy triumph”
THE SKINNY [4/5]
“sophisticated and melodic, drawing you in without need of fanfare”
SCOTSMAN [4/5]
“a record that’s both fragile and opulent…wise beyond its years.”
LOUDER THAN WAR [8/10]
“An affecting, powerful album…enthralling.”
DROWNED IN SOUND [8/10]
“a dynamic talent…an immediate, all-embracing collection of songs”
THE ARTS DESK [5/5]
“just stunning…an immensely rewarding listen”
MUSIC OHM [4/5]
“an extraordinary and beautiful transportive work”
THE MUSIC FIX [9/10]
“one of the best albums you will hear this year”
XS NOIZE [9/10]
“it’s hard to fault this album…superb”
NEON FILLER [9/10]
“Emma Pollock made us wait but it was worth every minute”
SUBBA-CULTCHA.COM
“the most accomplished album she’s been involved in since The Great Eastern.”
17 SECONDS [ 4.5/5]
Buy ‘In Search of Harperfield’ HERE.
Emma Pollock (London) 15/11/15
Emma Pollock (Castle Douglas) 13/11/15
Miaoux Miaoux (Glasgow) 05/12/15
FOUND Guest Mix For Phuturelabs
FOUND’s Kev Sim has put together this fantastic guest mix for our friends at Phuturelabs, showcasing some of the sounds that influenced their new album ‘Cloning’ due out on November 6th.
Have a listen to the ‘Clone Hop’ mix HERE. You can also pre-order the LP/CD over on the Chemikal Shop HERE and have a listen to their new single ‘A Souvenir For Every Hope You Had’ down below…