Rebuilding

In a move away from their usual collaborative format (James has played on and produced Jake’s last two albums), these two dab hands have teamed up to compose the soundtrack for Max Walker-Silverman’s wildfire film. An instrumental album of 17 miniatures, the music here is generally downbeat to complement the sensitive nature of the picture; however, in hands as steady as Jake and James’s, it becomes a record of light emotion and understated musical prowess. Touches like the slow fiddle closing ‘Glow in the Dark’ are considered and effective, as is the addition of spacious banjo alongside acoustic guitar on songs like ‘The Magic Boots’ (the string buzzes here are particularly delightful). Elsewhere, piano and insect sounds illuminate ‘Brother Theo’ and ‘Begin Again’ is a lesson in optimistic melancholy. With echoes of soundtracks like The Hired Hand and Old Joy, this lovely work will linger long in the memory.