In The Gardens Of The North [VINYL]

Sleeping States is Markland Starkie, a singer/songwriter from
Stratford-Upon-Avon with a deeply idiosyncratic vision.

His album 'In The Gardens Of The North' is an intimate
affair. Its nine tracks contain a wealth of rich musical
ideas which he brings to life with a wide array of
instruments and subtle sonic trickery.

The bare bones of much of the material relies on simple
strummed or plucked acoustic guitar motifs which are
given firmer flesh through the indroduction of basic
percussion, bass and multi-layered vocals. Taped sounds
are also sometimes slotted into the proceedings and add
both texture and atmosphere (the birdsong on 'Breathing
Space' is a particularly charming example).

Opening track 'Rings Of Saturn' plods along at a steady
pace, taking its time and carrying us along with it.
Mr Starkie's laconic vocal sounds curiously (but effectively)
detached, almost as though he is just a little bemused by his own
presence in the song. At the heart of the piece the simple bass
line is eventually joined by increasingly ribald percussion and
cacophonous guitar feedback to create a hugely dramatic crescendo.
Thankfully our hero emerges from the maelstrom unharmed, apparently
none the worse for wear and with his mojo wholly intact.

I have seen Mr Starkie compared elsewhere (by Mr Raposa,
writing for Pitchfork) as having "a voice that might remind
some of a less bombastic Rufus Wainwright". His oservation
is very perceptive. Listen to the exotic and slightly louche
harmonies which sweep the very lovely 'Gardens Of The South'
along and it is likely that you may agree with him.
The finished result is far less polished than anything
Mr Wainwright might pour out for our entertainment but
Mr Starkie is, in his own quiet way, clearly in touch
with his inner Bohemian!

'Red King' works up quite a steam.The driving rhythm and
jangling guitar provide an almost hypnotic background to
Mr Starkie's fine vocal performance as it leaps around and
above the densely structured arrangement with carefully
cultivated abandon.

'On The Beach At Aldeburgh' is a particularly lovely composition.
The same bigs skies and undulating Suffolk shoreline which inspired
much of what is great about Benjamin Britten's opera Peter Grimes
comes alive here too in another man's imaginative response to that
singularly beautiful and strangely atmospheric landscape.

Final track 'The Cartographer' deploys an almost folksy structure
to bring its series of gently detailed personal reflections alive.
Mr Starkie provides us with a small map to the contents of his
heart and proves to be both a reliable and affable guide.

Sleeping States kept me wide awake and engaged from the first
moment of this magical musical project until the very last.

Highly Recommended.

Real gem of an album. If you like your Bon Iver's you'll love this. A softer and slower record than For Emma, but just as beautiful. Takes a couple of listens, but after that you'll be hooked!

As with all good things in life, the music of Markland Starkie takes a while to appreciate. When I have told friends about Sleeping States I have had to insist that they listen to the albums again; responses, after one or two listens, are usually along the lines "I'm not sure".

The compositions are complex yet straightforward, universal yet personal. Some are not radio-friendly unless the station is BBC Radio6Music or the like: this is a good thing.

The lyrics are enjoyable in themselves and with Starkie's beautiful voice they can be listened to, and read, over and over again.

I saw Sleeping States in Bristol early this summer and have been playing the albums almost constantly. Which bands sound similar? It would be wrong to say; I suggest labels and categories are put aside and you make time available to enjoy this excellent, creative and rewarding music.