LUCIE THORNE – BLACK ACROSS THE FIELD
It will surprise many to hear that Black Across the Field is Lucie Thorne’s fifth album. Not because it doesn’t sound like an accomplished work of an established artist, but because many will hear this and wonder why on earth they haven’t heard the name Lucie Thorne before. That Thorne is accompanied by names like Hamish Stuart, Dave Stymes and Chris Abrahams should tell you much. Such quality players do not give their time to light-weights. With the slow burn rock of Sun Kil Moon and the depth of voice of Joni Mitchell (that seems to have now eluded Cat Power), Thorne is insidious in her ability to borrow down into your psyche, drawing you closer still, ’til you topple on into her other-world – “When the lights go down / I want you to know this feels like my private show”. While it is easy to get distracted by Thorne’s dusky and languid voice, her guitar work is equally subtle and controlled. There is a lot to be said for musical self-sufficiency, for she knows exactly what is required and when. “So I’ll dream of this / As I watch you play / Honey I’m oh so sure / We’re gonna meet some day”. If you’re lucky!
****
