California, Norfolk

Tim Bowness & Peter Chilvers have recorded a new album, titled california, norfolk which Tim described as being:

"an extension of what the title track on World Of Bright Futures hints at. It's heavily textured, quite intense music that in addition to the usual piano and voice contributions, combines cheaper than cheap drum machines, expensive brass samples and strange synthetic processing. It's almost like a latter-day miserablist singer-songwriter fooling around with early 1980's synth-pop technology.

There are elements of Blue Nile, Randy Newman, Steve Reich, Arab Strap and Bowie/Eno creeping in, but we think it's quite an original fusion of those influences."

1.	hostage
2.	california, norfolk
3.	post-its
4.	chant one
5.	also out of air
6.	days turn into years
7.	rocks on the green
8.	winter with you
9,	dreamer's song

All tracks written by Bowness/Chilvers except chant one and also out of air written by Bowness.

california, norfolk review

So it's finally out. Described by Tim Bowness as being "an extension of what the title track on World Of Bright Futures hints at...", california, norfolk eclipses Tim & Peter's work with Samuel Smiles, and is easily the equal of no-man's returning jesus.

hostage has been available on this site for some time, in mp3 form, and hearing the crystal-clear CD version reminds you what a touching song this really is. post-it's sends shivers, one of the most moving descriptions of a relationship gradually sliding into decline. No irony, no cheap shots, just a bittersweet decay.

Whilst the album contains some of Tim's most moving vocals and some of his most direct lyrics, Peter's contribution is immense. All the music is so under-stated, placing the mood of the songs perfectly. The carefully placed textures (such as the crunching snow, turning to slush, footsteps on the elegant winter with you), and the timeless, haunting piano, coupled with aching strings, frame the album perfectly.

The two part winter with you is almost a hybrid of the better parts of the last Bjork album (ie pagan poetry) mixed with side 2 of Kate Bush's hounds of love. Yes, its that good. The album ends with the mood lifting, the sun shining, on dreamer's song, which vastly improves on the henry fool version released last year.

I just pray that this album reaches a wide audience, and leads to more Bowness / Chilvers music, as they've come up with something so special, so intimate, on california, norfolk. The equal of no-man's returning jesus - or an even better album? You decide.

Tony Kinson April 29th 2002

hostage is the most timeless and haunting song I have heard in a long while, and sounds like the theme song to the best film (that's yet to be made). Set to a backdrop of lush, heart-rending strings and understated piano (and what sounds like a dinner party in the background?), it makes you want to lie down in a scented room and cover yourself with rose petals. Just make sure you pull the curtains shut. In all seriousness, a tragic, beautiful song that I just can't get out of my head.

days turn into years is the darker, more atmospheric of the two tracks, and more in keeping with the mood of Tim & Peter's work with Samuel Smiles. Minimal piano and electronics drive the melancholic lyrics, full of unfulfilled fumbling, dingy bedsits and missed opportunities. This is such a sad and lonely song.

I thought this collaboration might lead to something special, but I didn't expect the songs to sound THIS warm, and this good. But don't take my word for it, download the tracks and see for yourself. california, norfolk is destined to be a classic album. The album is available now from the burning shed.

Many thanks to Peter Chilvers for the pictures used on this page.

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