I have been slow to review this because it moves slowly, like honey. It’s rich and strong, equal parts old time American folk, and deep gothic country. Williams uses his music to deliver one dark narrative after another, the tales evoking Johnny Cash and Nick Cave’s fatalistic denouements*.

It never strays into twangy country territory, this, preferring a spare, somewhat desolate tone, with an air of old-fashioned forebearance in the face of grief.  The musical landscape is in many ways familiar, but it is the subtle swaying between genres, and the judicious variation of pace that keep things interesting.  Instead of wearing you down with misery, Williams seems adept at letting things ebb and flow just enough to keep you engaged.

This is another one of these albums that didn’t blow me off my feet to begin with – I basically thought ‘ah, more decent country-folk-noir’.  This may not be far from the truth, but it is nevertheless extremely well done, and the album as a whole is a very nurturing – satisfying in some enigmatic way that I can’t quite pin down.  I like this.

Christian Williams – The Sad Song of Sequin Island
Christian Williams – Upstairs

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*Yes, I know, a bit wanky, but it really seemed like the right word.  I do apologise.