Trappist Afterland has long been known for their ability to craft deeply emotional, atmospheric folk music, but with their latest album Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden, the Australian psych-folk band has reached new heights of introspection and beauty. A meditative exploration of life’s fleeting moments, the album blends poignant lyrics, lush instrumentation, and an all-star lineup of collaborators to create a work that is both heartbreaking and uplifting.

At the heart of this album is Cole, the creative force behind Trappist Afterland, whose personal journey through loss and reflection informs the album’s deeply emotional tone. Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden was written over the course of several years, during which Cole made frequent trips to visit his mother as she succumbed to dementia. It is a meditation on love, loss, and the passage of time, as Cole navigates the painful breakdown of his marriage, the inevitable decline of his mother, and his eventual return to his hometown of Kiama, on the New South Wales South Coast of Australia.

The music itself is nothing short of breathtaking, with each of the album’s nine tracks offering a unique sonic experience. From the soft, tender moments to the more dynamic, soul-stirring crescendos, the album takes the listener on a journey through the emotional landscape of Cole’s life. The mix of folk, psych, and traditional influences results in a sound that is at once timeless and otherworldly, with lush arrangements and subtle textures that perfectly complement the themes of the songs.

The involvement of an extraordinary group of collaborators has certainly contributed to the album’s richness. Henry Parker’s guitar work adds depth and complexity to the compositions, while Angeline Morrison’s folk roots bring a sense of warmth and authenticity to the songs. Tali Trow’s multi-instrumental contributions help shape the album’s expansive sound, and David Tibet’s haunting vocals add an air of mysticism and contemplation. The combination of these talented musicians elevates the album, allowing it to transcend the boundaries of folk and psych music to become a deeply moving artistic statement.

The album’s title, Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden, captures the essence of its message. It is a meditation on the cyclical nature of life, the inevitability of loss, and the possibility of finding new growth and beauty in the aftermath of hardship. The idea of walking to a “paradise garden” speaks not to an idealized, distant utopia, but to the possibility of finding solace and meaning in the present, even in the midst of sorrow.

While the themes of loss and time may seem heavy, the album is not without its moments of light. There is a quiet hope that runs through the music, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is the potential for renewal and rebirth. As Cole reflects on the bonds formed over a lifetime and the fleeting nature of human existence, Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden emerges as a deeply introspective, cathartic experience that will resonate with listeners long after the final note fades.

With Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden, Trappist Afterland once again proves that they are a band unafraid to delve into the deepest emotional and existential questions. This album is a testament to their growth as artists and their ability to communicate universal truths through music. It is an album that will undoubtedly find a lasting place in the hearts of folk and psych music fans around the world.

You can get the new album at the link below, exclusively on bandcamp: https://trappistafterland.bandcamp.com/album/evergreen-walk-to-paradise-garden

The post Trappist Afterland’s Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden Is a Poignant Meditation on Life’s Transience appeared first on Love Your Music Magazine.

Australian psych-folk band Trappist Afterland has once again stunned listeners with their latest offering, Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden. This beautiful and haunting album is an emotional journey through the complexities of life, loss, and renewal, featuring a rich collaboration with some of the finest artists in the genre. With the help of UK guitar virtuoso Henry Parker, folk sensation Angeline Morrison, multi-instrumentalist and producer Tali Trow, and visionary poet and singer David Tibet of Current 93, the album encapsulates Trappist Afterland’s signature blend of melancholy, beauty, and intricate musicianship.

The band’s mastermind, Cole, has poured his heart and soul into this collection of songs, drawing inspiration from personal experiences that have marked a turning point in his life. Written during the difficult winter months in the hills above Adelaide, Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden was crafted as Cole made regular trips to visit his mother, who was slowly succumbing to dementia. The tender and bittersweet lyrics are a reflection of these visits, the breakdown of his marriage, and his eventual return to his hometown of Kiama on the New South Wales South Coast of Australia.

What makes this album stand out is its ability to speak to universal themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of time, all while maintaining an otherworldly, timeless quality. The nine tracks on the album transcend the boundaries of folk and psych music, blending haunting melodies with poetic lyrics that leave a lasting impact. Each song feels like a moment frozen in time, capturing both the sadness of life’s impermanence and the quiet hope that new beginnings can emerge even from the deepest sorrow.

The support of such a talented lineup of collaborators elevates the album even further. Henry Parker’s masterful guitar playing infuses each track with an extra layer of depth and emotion, while Angeline Morrison’s folk sensibilities bring warmth and sincerity to the proceedings. Tali Trow’s multi-instrumental contributions and production expertise provide a lush, atmospheric backdrop, while David Tibet’s haunting vocals add an almost ethereal touch to the proceedings. Together, they help create an album that feels both intensely personal and yet universal, as if it speaks directly to the listener’s own experiences and emotions.

The album’s title, Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden, is a fitting one, encapsulating the cyclical nature of life and the possibility of finding beauty and growth even in times of hardship. The concept of “paradise” here isn’t some distant utopia, but rather a more grounded, bittersweet reflection of moments in life that bring comfort and meaning. The imagery of walking toward paradise, through a garden of both lush and desolate patches, reflects the album’s journey through both the beauty and pain of existence.

This marks the 10th album by Trappist Afterland, and it’s clear that the band’s sound continues to evolve, maturing in ways that reflect Cole’s personal journey. It’s an album that doesn’t shy away from the difficult moments of life but instead embraces them with grace and sincerity. With Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden, Trappist Afterland proves once again that they are one of the most unique and compelling acts in contemporary folk music.

Fans of Trappist Afterland’s earlier work will find plenty to love here, but Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden also stands as a testament to the band’s growth and willingness to delve deeper into personal and emotional territory. This is a collection of songs that resonate on a profound level, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who listens. As the title suggests, the journey may be difficult, but there is always the promise of new growth and beauty waiting on the other side.

Check out the album, exclusively on bandcamp:

https://trappistafterland.bandcamp.com/album/evergreen-walk-to-paradise-garden

The post Trappist Afterland Delivers a Deeply Moving Album with Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden appeared first on Best Music USA Zine.

This week, My Life Story made a return with their new single “Running out of heartbeats” taken from their upcoming album ‘Loving you is killing me’ out February 9 2024.

STREAM ON YOUTUBE HERE || ALL SERVICES HERE

It is the epic pop band’s first album in five years, and they have also confirmed a host of UK tour dates starting next month.

Their new single “Running out of Heartbeats” is mixed by Ben Hillier, and is an exhilarating, electronica-skewered anthem that pulses and whirrs with a kindred mechanised groove and futuristic sheen. 

Inspired by a quote from astronaut Neil Armstrong, new single “Running Out Of Heartbeats” finds chief songwriter Jake Shillingford in a philosophical mood and theorising on how love, life, and how we live it, could be playing with our human hearts and our overall longevity.

As Shillingford explains: “On returning from the moon and on his withdrawal from public life Neil Armstrong allegedly said: ‘I believe every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don’t intend to waste any of mine’. I wanted to explore if we can put a value on each heartbeat. Do we lose more through the palpitations of love, or leading a dynamic life? Or are we wasting our heartbeats by taking the easy life?”

Pairing lyrics laced with an ebullient, uncontainable sense of discovery, and arrangements that glisten with a fresh feeling of unlimited possibility; “Running Out Of Heartbeats” is evidence of a band who five albums and over three decades into their career still believe the sky’s the limit. 

Originally founded in 1984 by charismatic frontman Jake Shillingford, My Life Story, rose to fame as a pioneering force of the Britpop movement. Working with the legendary Giles Martin (The Beatles) on their debut album ‘Mornington Crescent’, the band would go on to score six UK top 40 singles and a top 40 album. Across their career the band have worked with the likes of Morrissey to The Pogues, Marc Almond to Andrew Lloyd Webber and more. Performing on the Glastonbury Pyramid stage and at Reading Festival four times, they notably supported Blur and Pulp and are one of the only bands to headline over Oasis. Taking an extended hiatus from recorded music in 2001, My Life Story returned with the critically acclaimed, fan-funded album ‘World Citizen’ in 2019. 

“Running Out Of Heartbeats”  will feature on upcoming album ‘Loving You Is Killing Me’ (out 9^th February, via Exilophone Records/Republic Of Music), alongside six brand new tracks. Pre-order it here.

The album’s name comes from the newly released single, frontman Jake Shillingford says: “Loving You is Killing Me is a lyric taken from the album’s opening track ‘Running Out of Heartbeats’. Despite its pessimistic inference, I like to think that it’s more generally about investment in relationships. Is there a price to pay for unconditional love?”

The record will be followed by a small UK tour that includes two shows at the prestigious London venue the 100 Club on Oxford Street, their first London appearances in over 2 years. In addition, Jake has just announced a run of intimate instore shows in the week of the album’s release whereby he will be performing a short acoustic set and signing albums at independent record shops across the country. All scheduled dates are as follows: 

MY LIFE STORY – UK TOUR DATES 2024

FEBRUARY

INSTORE SHOWS

9th Feb – SOUTHAMPTON Vinilo – 7pm

Sat 10th Feb – LONDON Sister Ray – 12pm

Sat 10th Feb – WALTON ON THE NAZE Format – 6pm

Sun 11th Feb – LEEDS Vinyl Whistle – 7pm

Mon 12th Feb – LIVERPOOL Phase One – 7pm

Tues 13th Feb – KINGSTON Banquet – 6pm 

Wed 14th Feb – SOUTHSEA Pie & Vinyl – 1pm

Wed 14th Feb – BRIGHTON Family Store – 6pm 

HEADLINE DATES

Thurs 15^th – ST. ALBANS – The Horn

Fri 16th – BRIGHTON – Hope & Ruin

Sat 17th – LONDON – 100 Club (Sold Out)

Thurs 22nd – BIRMINGHAM – Hare & Hounds 

Thurs 29th – BRISTOL – Louisiana

MARCH

Sat 2nd – LONDON -100 Club

APRIL

Fri 5th – ALDERSHOT West End Centre

Fri 12^th – STROUD – Sub Rooms

Tickets on sale now here

MY LIFE STORY

NEW ALBUM: ‘LOVING YOU IS KILLING ME’

OUT 9 FEB 2024, VIA EXILOPHONE/REPUBLIC OF MUSIC – PRE-ORDER HERE

LISTEN TO “RUNNING OUT OF HEARTBEATS” 

ON YOUTUBE HERE || ALL SERVICES HERE

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