Twelve Thousand Days — As The Moon Draws The Tide

As The Moon Draws The Tide is Twelve Thousand Days' tenth album, this UK-based project brings together Martyn Bates (Eyeless In Gaza, Kodax Strophes) and Alan Trench (Howling Larsons, Orchis). The ten-track album is a stirring sonic cauldron of darkly trippy ‘n’ strumming folk-rock, pared-back/wavering psychic rock, dark-hued pastoral organ churnings, and general folky rock experimentation, all topped off with Mr Bates very distinctive sing-song vocals.

This is a CD appears on Italy’s FinalMuzik- it comes presented in a six-panel digipak, featuring grainy, just-past-dusk woodland. Inside, we get lyrics for all the songs, as well as lists of who is playing what.

I’ve been aware of Martyn Bates' work for more than a few years- respecting what he does over his various projects. And I’d say this is pretty typical of his output, with no great surprises- the album serves up ten consistent songs, which nicely warp & waver.

We move from “Witch Reels” with its galloping acoustic guitar, steady rhythmic pitter-patter, subtle hissing & whispering backing vocals, and at times atmospherically echoed lead vocals. There’s “Heathen Dog” with its strummed, slightly blues-tinged guitars, warblingly/expressive vocals, hazy electric guitar touches, murky vocal layering, and a slowly breaking-down structure which becomes very dense and trippy.

Later, we have “Deceived” with its intimately strummed ‘n’ plucked acoustic guitar tone, and moodily wavering & descriptive vocals regarding seemingly several ships. And there's the swimming organ tones, gentle percussion ringing, subtle detail click, and reverberating/ impassioned vocals of “Bad Apples” which rather brought to mind Ulver at their more hovering, though of course with Mr Bates in the vocal seat.

As The Moon Draws The Tide is another consistent if unremarkable release from Mr Bates- if you enjoy what he does, you’ll like this, but if you don’t, this won't convert you. And I’d say if you're not familiar with his work, check out some tracks on the label's Bandcamp. I wanted to give this a two-and-a-half mark, but as we only do full marks here, I’ve gone for a two.