Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

London-based singer/songwriter and pianist Bill Fay recorded two unsuccessful albums in the '60s and '70s and, following years of obscurity that resulted in so-called cult status and a re-emergence in 2012, has released his second album for the Dead Oceans label. The overall feel of Fay's latest work is one of contemplation and reflection with the backdrop of Fay's unfussy piano playing, an unassuming band and the wash of strings arranged by Ian Burdge help to maintain that mood. Fay often uses the animal kingdom as his starting point for his songs - the opener "The Geese Are Flying Westward" leads on to special mentions for critters such as bees, hedgehogs, squirrels and fishes (sic) - before highlighting the damage caused by man and then offering up some measured hope that the world will change for the better. Fay uses this formula for a large chunk of proceedings making this something of a concept album in the sense that it contains a recurring theme and overall sound. Fay's gentle vocal delivery - much of the time whispered and set around the lower echelons of his vocal range - generally fits the feel of his songs but some of the tracks beg for a verse or two to be taken up an octave to heighten the tension. The likes of "Order Of The Day" and "Bring It On Lord" bring a Christian theme to the fore whilst "The Freedom To Read" - a eulogy to martyred Bible translator William Tyndale - is a highlight.

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