Description
#belburypoly #vinyl #vinylrecords
Jim Jupp, the founder of Ghost Box, has recently released his latest Belbury Poly record, and it’s a collaborative effort featuring a full band lineup. Joining Jupp on this venture are Christopher Budd on guitar and bass, Jesse Chandler from Midlake on woodwind and keys, Max Saidi on drums, and Justin Hopper taking charge of the narration. This new album, titled ‘The Path’, is a testament to Jupp’s artistic development, accentuating his fascination with hauntology. Drawing inspiration from the ’70s movie soundtracks of renowned figures like Roy Budd (famous for ‘Get Carter’) and the sultry b-movie scores of jazz pianist Roger Webb, ‘The Path’ evolves into a captivating narrative-driven concept album with Hopper’s spoken word passages providing continuity throughout. The press release specifically emphasizes that this is “an album with spoken words rather than a spoken word album.”
The album commences with Hopper’s soothing American voice introducing us to the journey in ‘Coordinates’, accompanied by Chandler’s enchanting flute melodies. This track perfectly evokes the sensation of stumbling upon a forgotten introduction to a long-lost TV pilot, a deliberate and masterful touch by Jupp. With the title track, ‘The Path’, we are treated to its predictably funky energy, a compelling demonstration of Jupp’s vision realized within a succinct 4:3 format. As the album progresses, Hopper’s narration traverses through an otherworldly UK, delving into bridges, motorways, and street signs, painting a vivid and phantasmagorical landscape. The musical backdrop, a captivating blend of downtempo exotica, entwines seamlessly with Hopper’s words, reminiscent of the iconic ‘War of the Worlds’ by Jeff Wayne. Needless to say, this album indulges in a profound sense of nostalgia and would perhaps be best enjoyed through the medium of a worn cassette tape.
Influenced by the likes of Roy Budd and Roger Webb, Jim Jupp’s latest venture with Belbury Poly showcases his ongoing evolution as an artist. Collaborating with talented musicians such as Christopher Budd, Jesse Chandler, Max Saidi, and Justin Hopper has allowed him to craft a fully-realized musical endeavor in ‘The Path’. With its captivating narratives and evocative melodies, this album is a testament to Jupp’s enduring fascination with hauntology. So, if you’ve been following Belbury Poly’s journey over the years, you won’t want to miss this latest release from Jupp and his band of talented collaborators.
