Created in a time we would all prefer to forget, London-based singer-songwriter MF Tomlinson has released a debut album worth cherishing; Strange Time.
Following his 2020 debut EP ‘Last Days Of Rome’, Tomlinson wrote the album in the middle of 2020 whilst confined in his home. He created a stripped-back home studio set up and the songs immediately began to flow.
Born out of this strange liminal space of constant uncertainty that we’ve been living in, his candid poetry and expansive sonic caress capture a true-life portrait of a world in turmoil – sonically taking in elements of acid-folk, chamber-pop, progressive rock and contemplative indie-folk.
The title track boasts a rich tapestry of brass, woodwinds and strings, as the elegant melodies float blissfully into your ears. The whole album is extremely atmospheric with a wonderful array of sounds intertwined with Michael’s textured vocals.
At times tapping into the sardonic Americana of Father John Misty, at others aligning more with the considered folk of Bill Callahan, Sufjan Stevens, Nick Drake and Aldous Harding; on this his debut full length album MF Tomlinson joyously dissects a time in our lives where happiness has often been so difficult to uncover.
‘Them Apples’ Baby’s Green Gone’ feature some rather tropical and afro-beat type instruments which adds to the references that the Covid-19 Pandemic has been everyone’s problem. The arrangement is perfect and Tomlinson brought a global network of collaborators and musical friends from far-fling continents to get on board and bring Strange Time to life.
Strange Time’s composition is a testament to artistic and human connection in a time of forced separation. The final track ‘Thursday, 8pm’ is a reference to the weekly clap for NHS carers.
MF Tomlinson’s debut album is about the personal mental strains, global political reckonings, and, most of all, humanity’s ability to connect and survive through it all.
Across its 6 tracks and 32-minute run time, Strange Time has allowed MF Tomlinson to explore a rich tapestry of sounds and influences and is another reminder a (hopeful) return to normality is coming in the not too distant future.
