Issue 522

King Creosote & Jon Hopkins Diamond Mine Domino/ EMI This collection of bittersweet folk songs is almost ethereal. Channelling the tenderness of Clapton when he wrote Tears In Heaven, Kenny 'King Creosote' Anderson flawlessly emotes his lyrical musings, all firmly set within the small-town life of Scotland and mostly concerned with effects and experience of growing old. Setting the template is Jon Hopkins, a graduate of London's Royal College Of Music, who presents a musical landscape complementary to Anderson's lamentations - thoughtful notes emphasised amongst meandering melancholy tones, interspersed by sparks of redemption and hope. By similar means that Sigur Ros are able to balance conjuring both grief and joy in equal quantities, the pairing of Hopkins and Anderson have created on 'Diamond Mine' a force of heartbreaking beauty. The considered piano of opening track First Watch establishes the tone of the album, giving way to John Taylor's Month Away - a simple tale of a sailor fated to toil for no other reason than it's all he knows. Bats In The Attic reflects upon the passing of youthful potential and optimism, before Running On Fumes looks at experienced lovers during a disagreement, in which both should know better. Bubble is a story of the determination of love, followed by Your Own Spell, which points a finger at the pitfalls of pride. Closing track Your Young Voice is a paean to Anderson's daughter, which poignantly fades into silence. At just seven tracks, 'Diamond Mine' doesn't drag, but lingers contemplatively after the duo's final serenade. Honestly, it's nothing short of gorgeous, and if you know nothing of the artists then I couldn't imagine a more perfect introduction to the two men responsible for crafting it. Ryan Winter