Benjamin Francis Leftwich - After The Rain

It is five years since Leftwich's debut Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm was released to critical acclaim, and whilst that gentle collection of sparsely arranged ballads and love songs impressed many, I found the whole affair rather one-paced and soporific. Not a safe album to choose on a tiring drive home. After The Rain, therefore, comes as a pleasant surprise. The voice has matured, and whilst still breathy and ethereal it now comes with nuance and a sense of re-discovery. Lead single Tilikum balances loss and love within the verses and chorus, and sets a reflective yet forward-looking tone for the entire album. Personal grief and the death of his father has understandably been a catalyst, but the finished work possesses a palpable strength and sense of purpose that suggests the healing has begun. With the help of Alt-J's producer Charlie Andrews, new soundscapes and arrangements add gentle warmth suggestive of a more colourful palette. This should not alienate fans of Last Smoke but will greet and enthral new listeners. After The Rain is not so much the 'difficult second album', more a reaffirmation of the still developing talent. Benjamin Francis Leftwich will commence his upcoming autumn tour at Norwich Arts Centre on September 21st.