Described in these pages as one of the most vital voices of today’s folk generation, Chris Cleverley‘s brand of folk is fluid and exploratory. His last album, ‘Live from the Glass Isle‘, recorded close by to Glastonbury Tor, was a glowing testament to his growing and emotionally nuanced power as a singer and the luminous nature of his guitar playing.
Today sees the release of ‘Chlorophyll‘, his debut single, taken from his highly anticipated 4th album ‘Broadcast The Secret Verse’, scheduled for release in November 2022 (See album tour dates below). Chlorophyll is Cleverley’s first new music in over two years and demonstrates a significant evolution in his sound and a bold stylistic departure from his previous work.
This hard-hitting new track is inspired by the way plants alter their floral pigmentation to protect from increasingly harmful UV rays but become less recognisable to pollinators in the process. This heartbreaking and worrying dilemma is presented as an analogy for the way we may harden ourselves during adverse times but risk losing our essence and vitality in the process.
In contrast to the song’s focus, as a creative musician, Cleverley’s own essence and vitality as a singer and songwriter seem to have strengthened within this new musical framework, and it’s great to see he has such a creative team supporting him. This includes the unmistakable lush harmonies of Lucy Farrell (The Furrow Collective) and the expert guiding hand of producer John Patrick Elliott (of The Little Unsaid). Chlorophyll occupies a lo-fi soundworld; spacious and melodically soothing, it gives his music a hazy, dreamlike quality while an infectious groove rolls the tune along in perfect balance, providing an energetic mesmerising pulse.
The album was recorded in a secret pop-up location amidst the serene woodland of the banks of the River Dart, a beautiful river in the South West. That constant connection with nature bubbles beneath the surface of Chlorophyll which is described as an anthem for those weather-worn by the head-spinning events of the global pandemic and as a stark apology to a natural world ravaged by climate emergency.
That emotional turbulence is reflected in the cover art of the single, designed by painter Martin D Hyde, whose work also adorned several releases on Reveal Records.
Watch the accompanying video below. Abbie Barton directed it, and Ollie Dixon was the assistant cameraman.
The single and album mark an exciting new chapter from one of the UK’s vital voices. Don’t miss his album launch tour (dates below).
Buy/Stream Chlorophyll: Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music
Broadcast The Secret Verse Tour
Chris Cleverley’s album release tour includes rare performances with an all-star full band lineup featuring John Elliott (The Little Unsaid), John Parker (Nizlopi), Graham Coe (Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys) and Kathy Pilkinton (Said The Maiden):
08.11: Wrecking Ball Arts Centre – Hull
09.11: The Hug & Pint – Glasgow
12.11: West End Arts Centre – Aldershot
18.11: New Lion Brewery – Totnes*
19.11: The Slaughtered Lamb – London*
20.11: Hare & Hounds – Birmingham*
24.11: The Rose & Monkey – Manchester
25.11: The Gather – Ennerdale
27.11: Music On The Levels – Bridgwater
01.12: Colchester Arts Centre – Essex
*With full band
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