Year Of The Leopard, The - James Yorkston > Reviews > A Vintage Year.

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Average
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Warm welcoming sound .
Disadvantages:	Becomes dull towards end .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

James Yorkston’s third album as a folk troubadour sees him strip back his sound even further, if such a thing is possible. The Athletes, his usual backing band, are absent this time (although most members appear throughout the record) and much of the record appears to have been home-recorded by Yorkston himself. Adding to this intimate vibe is producer Paul Webb, once of 80s ambient wonders Talk Talk, appearing here under the name of Rustin Man (his collaboration with Portishead chanteuse Beth Gibbons). The skills he’s pick up over the years help create a warm, analogue sound that resonates throughout the album, creating a pleasing, coherent LP that benefits from long, sustained listens, as opposed to taking each song separately.

Opener ‘Summer Song’ is a typical Yorkston composition; long and reflective, it slowly uncoils its myriad charms to the listener, the lovely snaking acoustic guitar waving around the plaintive, lovelorn vocals, and pushing the music forwards until the other musicians start up. The song also features the first of many appearances of the clarinet: whilst it gives a nice hushed sound, it’s overused and the (over) simplicity of its parts suggest Yorkston has just starting learning the instrument, and is so pleased that he wants to proudly show everyone his progress, regardless of suitability.

Second song ‘Steady As She Goes’ is the liveliest track here, a steady drum beat and pushing guitar creating an unusually upbeat sound. Indeed, some may say the rest of the album is too relentlessly downbeat and one note in its languid, repressed manner, and for the moment Yorkston appears to have turned his back on the extended, motorik folk jams that were previous album highlights, which is a shame.

Nevertheless, in an age where ‘folk’ is a term so overused it has practically become meaningless, Yorkston offers another album for the listener to fall in love with, perfect for both those lone nights in, and as an udder-appreciated delight to share with friends.