Ed Harcourt – Beyond the End – Album Review by Killian Laher

Ed Harcourt has released seven albums of singer-songwriter music, ranging in intensity and mood since his debut in 2001, Here Be Monsters.  This time, he has released an entirely instrumental album of mainly piano-based compositions.

He conjures up a wistful, autumnal mood on the likes of Diving Bell and Wolves Change Rivers, with strings joining the plaintive piano chords.  Stately melodies abound on Duet For Ghosts and Keep Us Ghosts, almost begging to be used in a soundtrack.  Two tracks, For My Father and Far My Mother are almost companion pieces and are unremittingly lovely.  The brief, vaguely electronic Faded Photographs is wintrier than most of the rest but equally easy on the ear.

If there is a criticism, it’s that the album is a little one-paced and lacks a standout, which can cause your attention to wander off.  But a perfectly relaxed pace at that, ideal for contemplative moments.

Track List –

1. Diving Bell
2. Wolves Change Rivers
3. Duet For Ghosts
4. Empress of the Lake
5. Keep Us Safe
6. Faded Photographs
7. For My Father
8. For My Mother
9. Beneath the Brine
10. There Is Still A Fire
11. Circling Red Kites
12. Whiskey Held My Sleep To Ransom

Duet For Ghosts