Our Song of the Day is Tarn Song, the forthcoming single from Harvey Lord who we’ve previously featured on Folk Radio UK. The accompanying video unfolds like a Cumbrian psych-folk dream – reminiscent of Jansch, Incredible String Band and Vashti Bunyan all rolled into one yet these deep pastoral sounds also have a very unique personal charm, delicately pulled together with great care, like a painting.
Tarn Song showcases Harvey Lord’s unique style of songwriting with a story of friendship and loss told through the tarns and landscapes of Cumbria. A pale sun, rising moon and shimmering light are all spun into a timeless folk tale of a solitary figure who immerses himself in the Cumbrian wilderness, where the fells become his final resting place. Though a multi-instrumentalist, Harvey chooses simple arrangements for Tarn Song; intricately-fingerpicked guitar nestles in pastoral string arrangements, evoking styles of Bert Jansch and Nick Drake, but with a contemporary twist, consistently delivered in his native Cumbrian lilt. His approach is nothing short of authentic and direct, and the sincerity of this beautiful piece is truly charming.
Following its release, Tarn Song will feature in Harvey Lord’s upcoming album, “Well…Old Brother Siskin…” which is due for release later in the year. With string arrangements by James Edge and additional vocals from Jo Gillot (both critically-acclaimed singer-songwriters featured on BBC Radio), Harvey’s latest album is collaborative in part, though the stories he tells through his songs remain deeply personal, told in his own unique voice. Gently meandering tracks sit alongside more sinister songs, alluding to the fleeting nature of life and the brutality of death. Harvey is no stranger to bereavement and, through this album, confronts death squarely in the face whilst also pondering its symbolism through nature. Birds are a recurring theme throughout.
Harvey Lord is a modern-day storyteller, using his music to paint pictures of the sweeping landscapes of Cumbria; his previous releases as frontman of the 10-piece alt-folk band, The Existence of Harvey Lord, have all drawn inspiration from experiences, adventures and tales of his Lake District home.
Available from here on 12 July: https://railcables.bandcamp.com/