THE DEPTHS OF WINTER

Multi-instrumentalist (and Camel live keyboard player) Pete Jones is back with his third album under the name Tiger Moth Tales, and this time he has brought in some friends to assist him on a couple of songs, but for the vast majority of time it just Pete. Mind you, a very special mention must be made of Luke Machin's incredibly fluid solo on "Winter Maker", one of three songs that break the ten- minute barrier. The album isn't a concept album per se, more a thematic collection of wintery concepts, and stories that take place in the winter season. There are a number of different themes explored, including winter folk tales and characters such as the Ojibwe wind spirit, Biboon, the Viking legends of Baldr, Loki and Frigga, and the death of English folklore hero, Robin Hood. As with previous Tiger Moth Tales albums, this new collection of works includes a broad range of musical feelings and emotions, from dark themes such as a grim fight for survival in "Winter Maker", and the terrible scenes described in "Exposure", based on the Wilfred Owen poem of the same name, to the warmer feel good tracks such as the joyous and exuberant "Sleigh Ride" and the closing track "Hygge".

Unlike many multi-instrumentalists Pete has a strong voice, and writes to his strengths, so that the songs always feel emotional. There are definite nods to Hackett, both solo and in his time with Genesis, and there were times when I found myself wondering if a particular song might actually fit on 'Wind & Wuthering', such is the quality. There is really only one downside to me with this release, and that is the "drums". Pete really needs to invest in a live drummer as opposed to a machine, as it definitely drags the music down, and with a quality person behind the kit it would assist in taking this to the next level. As it stands, it is still an essential release, and I am very much looking forward to the next one.