It’s been a while since we heard from David Edwards, aka Minotaur Shock, but the Bristolian has been busy blending his love of 1960s and 1970s folk together with more recent electronica. The results in ‘Orchard’ are captivating, multi layered units of melody that charm, surprise and soothe in pretty much equal measure. Edwards keeps things moving throughout, and there is a nice blend of experimentation and more traditional folk roots, which mean that the label Edwards has fought shy of, ‘folktronica’, can be used to positive effect here. ‘Too Big To Quit’ is especially catchy, and a bit jaunty, while there are some moments of quiet beauty to be had in the pastoral softness of ‘Through The Pupils of Goats’, the title giving away Edwards’ bond with nature. Overall, ‘Orchard’ leaves in its wake a nice warm feeling, a comforting glow of an album that reveals ever more of its layers with subsequent listens.
4 out of 5
Reviewed By Ben Hogwood
