Steady Weather by Torn Sail

Following the critically acclaimed releases “This Short Sweet Life” (2017) and “Leisure & Technology” (2020), “Steady Weather” presents a more refined and layered sound, yet still retains the emotive depth and exploratory spirit that has always defined Torn Sail’s work.

This double album is a wide-reaching journey through broad and deep musical influences from space music and jazz-fusion to 1970s West Coast virtuosity and classical English introspection, inviting comparisons to post- Castlemorton-era Talk Talk, the introspective complexity of John Martyn, and the cinematic polish of Trevor Horn.

Huw Costin, Torn Sail’s front man and primary songwriter, continues his poignant explorations of human experience, touching on themes that range from the deeply personal to the socially conscious. Songs reflect on how the essentially positive nature of humanity has the power to transcend all kinds of borders, the connection between landscape, memory, and family, the passage of time, aging, and the beauty found in simple domestic moments. This is an album for thoughtful, attentive listening, where each song unfolds with layers of meaning, capturing both vulnerability and transcendence.

The band’s ability to draw on diverse musical influences, from the ambient and expansive soundscapes of Krautrock, to the subtle, melodic complexity of Dire Straits, makes this album both timeless and contemporary. Special mention goes to the ensemble of John Thompson (bass) and Henry Claude (guitar) of Brown Fang, and Crazy P’s Jim Baron (keys) whose contributions bring an undeniable richness to the sound.
“Steady Weather” is a work of meticulous craftsmanship, a testament to Costin’s songwriting and the album’s forensically detailed production, led by Shrinkwrap’s Matt Horobin.

Two standout tracks, “Mud People” and “Nutshell,” capture the album’s emotional depth and musical sophistication. “Mud People” dives into the emotional core of the album, blending Costin’s moving vocals with jazz-infused keys and cascading guitar melodies that evoke the expansive influence of Keith Jarrett and Peter Gabriel. Meanwhile, “Nutshell” is a powerful, slow-building track where intricate rhythms and ambient textures swell to a moving crescendo, recalling the emotional heights of Brian Eno’s most reflective works.

Of the album’s overall mood, Costin explains: “Steady Weather is about how music can take you to the heart of a memory, a place, or a moment in time. It’s about how people, even those we barely know, can leave a lasting imprint on our lives, and how our surroundings —whether natural or man-made—connect with that experience.”

Building on the legacy of “This Short Sweet Life” (which garnered praise from the late, great Mark Lanegan, who described it as “a masterpiece”), “Steady Weather” takes Torn Sail into a more polished, yet no less adventurous, direction. Torn Sail’s third release cements their place as one of the most sophisticated and thought-provoking acts to emerge from the UK’s independent music scene. With the combined talents of musicians from the Delia extended family and Torn Sail’s collaborative approach, “Steady Weather” promises to be not just an album, but an experience that offers something new with each listen.

Torn Sail make bold, singular, extravagant records of rare, uncompromised passion. Each of his records swerves from the beaten track – though COSTIN always eyes his destination – and its subtle surprises still startle after repeated listens. (Wyndham Wallace)

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