Brendan Perkins has produced a brand-new album, Stories from the Old Church Lane. And it was released on April 5th.
If you are new to his work. Brendan Perkins is a progressive rock composer and multi-instrumentalist who plays bass, electric and acoustic guitars, drums, keyboards, uke, mandolin and various other percussive instruments. Brendan has a first class BA degree in Creative Music and over four decades of recording and sound engineering experience.
Stories from the Old Church Lane follows on from his last album, Favorite Places, which I reviewed: https://progressiverockcentral.com/2024/08/07/brendan-perkins-favorite-places/. The theme of Stories from the Old Church Lane, is a story about someone who “decides that it’s time to settle down in a timeless country village. Here, the characters are larger than life and seem to have been around almost as long as the church building itself. The songs reflect lightly upon personal memories and observations, while inviting the listener to let their imagination create its own pictures and sensibilities”.
All instruments and vocals are performed by Brendan Perkins, except the backing vocals on “Another Evening Time”, which were sung by Helen Flunder.
“Another Evening Time”, opens this album, with classic royal UK electric guitar sounds. Like a trip back to Arena or Pendragon’s back catalog. Brendan sings, “A sprinting life for some, is how the race is run. As days roll into years, and chase the setting sun. Long from the troubled past, these days should surely last. A beer beside the lake, the night is creeping fast. Out, out, heading out, thankful for the moon, pull shadows long. Friends laughing, stories forming, birthing a new song. We should stay here, build our new lives. Old church journeys, the new era arrives”. Then brilliant strings and orchestration that will melt your heart. Brendan’s voice reminds me of a good combination of Al Stewart and Damian Wilson.
“Olivia Ruth”, is another long progressive rock treasure full of great electric guitar and thoughtful keyboard playing. Brendan sings, “Down at the village store, kept in a box, some old cat’s eye marbles and a fake silver fox. Clay pipes and candle wicks, a wooden toy car, a robot of tin that stands guard on the bar. Olivia will collect any old thing, a collection of folk songs that no one can sing. Amelia says that she used to be wise, just now and then, there’s a spark in her eyes. And when the sun came out she felt the force of the universe”. The story of one’s life and what is important; along with the shop of her dreams. Brendan sings, “Olivia Ruth is just fine in her ways. And everyone prays to the stars that she stays. A fully grown tree to a packet of seed. A shop that has everything you’ll ever need”.
“Amelia’s Wedding”, opens with slow guitar and Brenden singing, “Amelia always lived, on the peripheral ledge of life. They said it’s hardly possible, for her to be a wife. Love is born, and life discovers paths for folks to tread. This wedding day, in stormy May, their tales and vows are read. And then the tapestry of folded feelings. All trace of fear just melts away. With tears of joy, and a nip of brandy. The steady trappings of a perfect day” A nice instrumental section follows with deep rhythms and a warm melody. Brendan returns to sing, “Mother always knew this joyful day would come. She knows from experience; it doesn’t work for some. But this is the time and place to cast those thoughts away. To trust in love, and hide a tear, for her daughter’s perfect day. And as the thunderclaps increased with every heartbeat. Amelia she gazed and started to laugh. Her drenched beloved, he was running fast. But when he saw her, he just smiled”. The music reminds me so much of early Steve Hackett solo albums, with soft flute surrounding, or Anthony Phillips’ gold.
“Bram’s Return (from Metro Fair)”, is an over 8 minute masterpiece. It opens with some innovative guitar playing. Brendan sings, “The town Metro Fair, cleaning the car parks and subways. Taking the insults and lies apart. Playing the tapes of my mind on repeat. Feeling the pain in my eyes and my feet, but worth every word. Back to the record store in the snow. Feeding my mind to push out the fools. Playing the songs of the past on repeat. Feeling the way back through the sleet”. The instrumental section that follows is a calm, soft walk through an old town you once loved or maybe grew up in. Music full of intricate and inspired guitar, bass, drums, percussion and instrumentation. Brendan sings, “Looking back is easy now the fear it was a paper ghost that fooled its host. But now I’m, I’m back again. Leaving all the city lights that promised me a golden world of dreams come true. But I’d rather be with you. But I would rather be alone with you”. Missing someone who belongs with you at a time like this; as the piano plays.
“Ned and Mary”, is a grand love song, maybe for two friends. Filled with piano and guitar. Brendan sings, “Out on the porchway in cinder light. As bats will tumble into the night. Remembering stories while hand in hand. Soak up the decades and different lands. A life in dance-halls, and theaters bright. Had crossed their pathways that village night. Then war had come and things had changed. An entertainer’s life was very strange. And into factories, and into boats. Left Ned and Mary alone again. Out on the porchway in cinder light. And as their stories entwined again. They live and love life on Old Church Lane”. It is beginning to sound like an ode to some wonderful people who have passed. That maybe Brendan knew, or read about in the Old Church Archives.
“Summer’s End”, is the closer for this brief, but powerful album of recollection. Memories as vivid for these individuals as if they walked out of a storybook or movie. Then Brendan sings, “A bright village hall. With couples who can’t wait to start the dance. With queues along the wall. From new excitement, to those who’ve seen it all. Lights of every hue. With flowers, wreaths, and bunting everywhere. The choir singing sweet. The glowing sense of autumn in the air. They’re dancing faster now. It feels like flying somehow. And now the fire dancers start. You feel the speeding of your heart. We love this every year. A way to celebrate the harvest. The youngest to the old, the magic of the sky reveals to all. With distant storms still flashing. The thickness of the air so very calm. All difference melts away, with everybody dancing arm in arm”. Absolutely elegant ending to a wonderful “picture in time” kind of album.
Brendan Perkins, Stories from the Old Church Lane, is just the kind album to follow my review of John Hackett Band’s latest album. John’s was a journey back to the life of a country gentleman. Brendan’s vision is to hold a light to the past in front of our eyes and ears, and ask us do we really want to go forward with the dystopia we are feeling across the globe? I put myself in his place, and tried to imagine going back to my original hometown. Would any of the parents or kids I grew up with be there? What would they be like now? Would they remember me? How would I remember them, or life when I was so young.? It is an interesting story, and thanks Brendan for taking me there, even if that was not your original intention. Rather than sing about the dystopia we currently have inherited, Brendan brings us back to how we used to live. Through the lives of the people of Old Church Lane. Whether these are real people who are either living or have passed. Their lives draw you in through Brendan’s lyrics and music. You will find yourself wanting to go back to this time. Whether or not you ever lived this style of life before. Remember, everyone is welcomed on Old Church Lane. You belong here. So, please give this friendly album, Stories from the Old Church Lane a listen.
Album Track List:
1. Another Evening Time 07:49
2. Olivia Ruth 07:18
3. Amelia’s Wedding 07:50
4. Bram’s Return (from Metro Fair) 08:29
5. Ned and Mary 04:43
6. Summer’s End 07:19
Stories from the Old Church Lane, music and lyrics by Brendan Perkins. Recorded, mixed, produced and mastered by Brendan Perkins. Artwork by Peter Fussey.
Band Website and Social Media Links:
https://brendanperkinsmusic.com
https://brendanperkins.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/brendanperkinsmusic