Tim Bowness – Late Night Laments (2020)
I have been a Tim Bowness fan, since first hearing No Man’s early albums. I also enjoyed his album released with Giancarlo Erra, Memories of Machines.
Tim Bowness released his seventh solo album, Late Night Laments, on August 28th, 2020. Tim Bowness is one of the best singers in progressive rock music today. His albums and music are full of feeling and emotion, and the music he and his collaborators create is both soothing and at the same time revealing.
The band for the Late Night Laments includes: Tim Bowness, on vocals, backing vocals, synths on tracks 2 & 9, samples on tracks 2 & 9, ukuleles on track 4, fx on tracks 2 & 6; Brian Hulse, on synths and keyboards, guitars, programmed drums, and backing vocals on track 4; Tom Atherton, on vibraphone on tracks 1, 4, 5, 6, and 9; Richard Barbieri, on synths and synth solos on tracks 3 & 7; Evan Carson, on drums and percussion on tracks 1 & 4; Colin Edwin, on double bass on tracks 4, 5, and 9; Alistair Murphy, on dianatron on track 5; Kavus Torabi, on glissando guitar and guitar solo on track 2, and backing vocals on track 4; Melanie Woods, on backing vocals on tracks 1, 2, and 4.
The artwork for Late Night Laments was created by Jarrod Gosling.
Tim opens the album with “Northern Rain”, a call out to an old friend, or more purposefully to the world. Tim sings, “I used to love those kind eyes”, after relating that now all he receives are blank stares. A song which capsulizes the feelings we are all experiencing during this global pandemic. People do not look at each other the way we used to before the pandemic. Tim sings, “The world we knew is dying, and maybe that’s okay”. “Old faces, in long-abandoned spaces. I see them when I’m dreaming. I dream my life away”. Yes, the feeling of desperation and a desire for change, and a return to where we were before. Tim sings, “Somewhere beneath the surface, that’s where we are”. I would add…waiting for change. But he and the world, may not be waiting anymore. A vocals-driven track, with vibraphone, keyboards, percussion, and drums. Melanie Woods joins him on backing vocals to add further kindness. Beneath the northern rain, which comforts and helps lend normalcy to an unnatural world, filled with dystopia. Fantastic start!
“I’m Better Now”, is a warning. An understanding that “2 seconds of hate”, can create, “a lifetime of grieving. No debate, just breathing”. No matter how many times you tell yourself you’re better now, the feeling and emotion rings hollow inside, for those with a conscience. Think before you act. No situation is worth a lifetime of grieving. Thank you for this Tim, the world needs it right now.
“Darkline”, opens with cool percussion, keys, and soft drums. Tim sings, “I’m out of luck, I’ve come unstuck. There’s no return. I can’t unlearn. I turn to rust as the planet burns. Behind the clouds, the treasured past. The perfect moments, they move to fast”. Then music plays that reminds me of early Peter Gabriel. Later Tim sings, “I’m the sweet and aimless afternoons”. Tim is waiting, for the last dark line from the color spectrum. Tim sings, “I’m waiting, for that last dark line”. World’s end.
“We Caught the Light”, opens with soft ukuleles, bells, and Tim singing, “We looked behind as wheels were moving”. A song of regret, for things passed, too quickly. “Out of touch, the world had turned. Amid the noise and choked attention. We caught the light, when it was bright, but missed the signs”. The signs of a world changing for the worse. “Like Paradise, after the fall. There is no tenderness at all”. Melanie Woods joins in again. And then a moment of sad reflection, “We never saw the best of us”.
“The Hitman Who Missed”, seems like a moment of Tim’s recollections of the past. Most likely his childhood. The song reflects happiness mixed with pain. Tim sings, “At the sound of a school bell, your as anxious as hell. Even the children can tell. At ease with the bullies, as one with the chains”. You hated the feeling of defeat”.
“Never a Place”, opens with beautiful keys and sounds of a schoolyard. Tim sings, “There was never a place in the line for you. You were freezing in the heat”. A song about the feelings an outsider might express.
On “The Last Getaway”, Tim sings, “Dear child, life’s adventures drove me wild. There were gentle strolls in parks while the clouds were turning dark”. The piano and soft percussion is wonderful.
“Hidden Life”, opens with belled-like keys which are so original and welcoming. Tim sings, “God bless the child. God bless the children. The children you can never call your own”. A song for all of the outsiders, the rest of the world cannot treat with the same human respect we all deserve.
“One Last Call”, opens with more cool keys. A sad song, saying goodbye to someone who meant so much. Tim sings, “We sat and talked for hours. You were a face without a name”. Tim explained in a Facebook chat, that the song was inspired by the novel, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold.
This is a deep album full of beautiful music, serious lyrics, and emotions. As usual, Tim Bowness’ vocals are perfect on every song. On Late Night Laments, he wanders through nostalgia and other ideas that are top of mind. Tim has that wonderful quality of being able to warmly express his deep feelings lyrically, with soft music supporting gracefully. He is an artist. His latest work, Late Night Laments, is another brilliant opportunity to hear perfection and grace expressed musically. Put this album on, turn off the lights, and put on your headphones.
Track List
- Northern Rain – 4:49
- I’m Better Now – 3:52
- Darkline – 3:57
- We Caught the Light – 3:56
- The Hitman Who Missed – 3:24
- Never a Place – 4:41
- The Last Getaway – 4:55
- Hidden Life – 5:05
- One Last Call – 4:15