Burning Shed Label

Something of an extension of the duo's work as part of Samuel Smiles and a continuation of the ideas explored on 'Flame' (the Barbieri / Bowness album from 1994), 'California, Norfolk' is the debut release from Tim Bowness (No-Man) and Peter Chilvers (Alias Grace).

Combining dark, electronic textures and found sounds with lean, intense compositions and poignant lyrics, the album's highly original synthesis of singer-songwriter intimacy and imaginative production values echoes aspects of the pioneering work of Blue Nile, Randy Newman, Steve Reich, Mark Eitzel and late 70's Berlin-era Bowie/Eno.

From the brooding, cinematic and orchestral sweep of 'Hostage' to the epic ambition of 'Winter With You' through the bleak, icy overtones of 'Days Turn Into Years', the album forms a suite of musical short stories awash with domestic drudgery and fleeting hopes, misguided trust and thwarted dreams.

Ballad Electronica, Ambient Folk, or perhaps the soundtrack to the best film you've never seen, 'California, Norfolk' is one of the most heartfelt and haunting debuts of recent years.