Beautiful debut full LP by the solo moniker of The Wrens' Kevin Whelan with contributions from his band mates, these lockdown-inspired, highly emotive songs take the long view, filled with recriminations, guilt, but also hope for the future. It’s a difficult time, with the Wrens’ fourth album postponed, or possibly cancelled, and whether or not this may be Whelan’s permanent new direction. All this is evident from the gentle opener Hold On, but particularly in powerful Leaves, which swells with feeling and volume, reflecting on “the dreams that won’t come true” but seeking a path to a better place. Everything At Once also wistful looks back at “the past is all we have to hope for” as well as at the future, while on Fade “Today is the day we are finally free of pretending/To be something we never wanted.” This is a running theme. Other standouts include the Elliott Smith-like Empty Rooms and Alpine Drive, which also echo a touch of Bach’s Pachelbel arpeggios, and the thunderous Arcade Fire-style resilience of Queens, and Better Love. Out on Sub Pop.
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