Joshua Burnell isn’t an artist who sits still for long, and 'Flowers Where The Horses Sleep' is his third album in as many years. For many familiar with Burnell's previous works, you will know how he delights in serving up a mixture of music that's best described as raucous progressive folk rock. Now he's turned the dial back down from eleven, hung up his cape, and released an album of original compositions in a more laidback style of piano based folk pop. And it's good!
The unmistakable folk roots of the album are there from the outset and are embraced enthusiastically in songs such as ‘The Ballad Of Mark Jeffrey’, based on a haunting tale of nineteenth-century deportation and ‘Joan Of The Greenwood’; two modern folk compositions that sound as if they were centuries-old classics.
As with all of Burnell’s previous releases, he beautifully surrounds his music in wondrous artwork. This time the cover art is by Mumbai artists Hari and Deepti and the dreamy landscape very much takes the listener back to the 1970s heyday of classic gatefold vinyl artwork covers.
A call for understanding and compassion unfolds in ‘Labels’, a song inspired by a quote from the actor Sir Ian McKellan. Dipping into Arthurian legend, ‘Le Fey’ features a more piano pop-based sound overlaid with delightful harmonies by Frances Sladen. The folk-pop fusion continues with the science fiction themed ‘Look At Us Now’, while there is a steer into baroque territory with ‘Let Me Fall Down’, and the gently reassuring ‘Invisible Wings’ is an inspired ballad.
One of the many unexpected pleasures on this record is the way Frances Sladen’s vocals are brought to the fore as is evident when she shares vocals with Burnell on ‘Run With Me’.
Cementing Joshua Burnell’s creative credentials as a world-class songwriter and musician, ‘Flowers Where The Horses Sleep’ is a lovingly crafted album bursting with imaginative well-written songs and melodies.