Hayden Thorpe, known for his involvement with Wild Beasts, has revealed his upcoming solo album called Ness set to be released in September. The lead single from the album, “They,” is now available.
Ness takes inspiration from Robert Macfarlane’s book of the same name published in 2018. The song “They” is accompanied by a music video directed by Thorpe and Andy King. The lyrics were born out of Thorpe’s visit to Orford Ness in Great Britain with Macfarlane, reflecting on the history and atmosphere of the location, which influenced the music’s rhythmic complexity.
Thorpe expressed his admiration for working with Macfarlane, likening it to collaborating with iconic literary figures. Macfarlane, in turn, praised Thorpe’s creative approach and deep connection to the project.
Through our collaboration on Ness, we were able to capture the essence of history and nature’s enduring power. The album resonates with the echoes of the past and the possibilities of the future, offering a reflection on humanity’s impact on the environment.
The album features orchestral elements by Propellor Ensemble, arranged by Jack McNeill, who also performs on clarinet. Kerry Andrew contributed choral arrangements and spoken word pieces. The music video for “They” is available for viewing.
TRACKLIST:
01 “Merman”
02 “WTF Is That?”
03 “In The Green Chapel”
04 “It”
05 “Gull”
06 “He”
07 “Hagstone”
08 “She”
09 “Song Of The Bomb”
10 “They”
11 “V.”
12 “As”
13 “Closer Away”
Ness will be available on 9/27 through Domino Records.
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