George Wilding - Sign of Life (self-released)

Well, that’s a new sound. I think. Then again, I might have been out of the loop for a while when it comes to George Wilding’s music. The last time I checked in, he was still pursuing a sound that was led by a spaciously acoustic guitar, his music draped often in wordplay that even the good doctor, that is to say, John Cooper Clarke would have considered stiff competition. But if that sound was typified by the masterful “Tchaikovsky on the Tambourine” it is more the style of “Martha” which rounded off the same album, Lunatic, which he seems to have pursued since.

And that is where we find him on “Sign of Life.” Older and wiser, reflective and just as poetic as ever and still reveling in tales of love, life, and relationships, his voice still pushing into vocal realms that only sonic angels, the like of Jeff Buckley, dared to tread. And thankfully, he is just as happy to put into song his general annoyance at those things that rile him in life, in this case, trying to be in a relationship with someone who is glued to their phone. Before, he was happy to play the hapless young harbinger of unrequited love, now his concerns and critiques are those of the exasperated adult. Welcome to the club, sir.

Musically, too, the acoustic guitar still beats at the song’s heart but is now cocooned in (Brit)popish riffs and lush sonic soundscaping, cool tones, and seductive textures, an intricate weave of gossamer sounds all threaded together to create the perfect balance between comforting sonic weight and luxurious musical ethereality.

It is not only a smart and gorgeous song but a reminder that I need to keep a better eye on George’s sector of the musical landscape so as to be sure not to miss out, as I have been. And on a side note, is Being Ragdollian really ten years old! Shit! Tempus don’t ‘alf flippin’ fugit! And then some.