Thomas George is The Lion and Wolf, and he is fast becoming one of our favourite chill out artists at AltCorner HQ. Thomas embodies all of the things that creates a great singer-songwriter, and he has the tracks to match. His New Album ‘Symptoms’ is surely going to go down as a solid classic album. He blends the sounds of Simon and Garfunkel, Stephen Fretwell, Damien Rice and others. This is beautifully produced chill out album that you can rely on when you have had a hard day and need a cuddle in the form of something that just fills you up like a big Hot Chocolate on a cold night. (Costa Black Forest Gateaux in my case).
The album kicks off with ‘Bandages’. A track that will have you reaching for the CD sleeve to check it isn’t Simon and Garfunkel… With the tracks catchy chorus, skipping melody, perfect percussion and beautiful vocals – this track sets the mood and gets you ready for track number two ‘Colour’ featuring male and female harmonies and gentle caressing music. I fell in love with both tracks the minute they played.
Track three and four have a similar style and vibe with strings and has a ‘haunting whispered’ style vocals – two beautiful songs that seem to blend together very well.
‘November Saints’ pulls back from the whispered style and delivers a beautiful song with female harmonies and a more up beat (only just) melody, and subtle effects surely influenced by the likes of Radiohead.
‘Tangled Tape’ is the sixth song on the album, and is a fresh and clean song… simply played with vocals matching the paired down sound that really showcases the lyrics and quality of the vocals and melody.
‘Ghosts on Trinity’ is a bit of a surprise in this album, with a Grungy sounding acoustic, haunted vocals and instantly emotional. The track has a ‘funeral precession’ feel to it, really adding to the gravity of the song. I disliked this song on first listen and really couldn’t see how this came from the same artists – but then it just clicked… it is a perfect midpoint track to make you sit up and pay attention. Finishing the track with a church organ crescendo was a great touch too.
Following ‘Ghosts on Trinity’ we go right back to the comfortable, and mellow track of ‘Ink and Skin’, once again, you could be fooled that S&G had got back together and were kicking out some more classics… Thomas is just that good. What higher praise can you give?
‘Symptoms’, ‘The Hole That It Leaves’, The Lion and The Wolf’ and ‘Curtain Call’ are all pure and simple – perfect chill out tracks filled with emotion, beautiful vocals and wonderful melody – mostly pure acoustic singer songwriter with little other input. This all comes together to provide the listener with a clean sound that grows your appreciation with every listen.
‘Green’ is the last track on the album. The track starts slow and gentle, with splashy percussion and a simple beat… then breaks the silence with an atmospheric up tempo Stephen Fretwell meets Athlete finish… The perfect song to give you a little push to get you off the sofa, after being restored to full fettle…
If you are a person who can appreciate a great chillout album that has meaningful lyrics and gives you the feeling that you have just had your ears massaged by music… Look no further. BUY THIS ALBUM!
‘The Lion And The Wolf’ released his debut album ‘Symptoms’ is available on BandCamp.