James Yorkston - The Year of The Leopard - (Album)
Thankfully the fame of an isthismusic? cover hasn’t dragged James Yorkston off his successful path as ‘The Year of The Leopard’ proves to be another bewitching album. There is such a carefree breeze to the playing and lilting melodies, it comes as no surprise to hear Yorkston talk of the spontaneity of the recording process, as the simplistic majesty pores out of the record.
The pared down approach may suggest this album is prefect background music but repeated listens uncover musical twists and tempo changes that keep the record feeling alive and vibrant.
Even ‘Woozy With Cider’, which sounds like Yorkstons take on The Velvet Undergrounds ‘The Gift’ or on filling the soon to be Arab Strap shaped void on the Scottish music scene lightly sparkles and maintains the flow of the record.
James Yorkston comes up trumps once again.
4/5
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