Description

Most of the writing of Naima Bock's second album, "Below A Massive Dark Land", was a solitary affair. It may not sound it - it's made up of strong, purposeful arrangements with a huge host of musicians; filled with cradling space and warm light. This will also come as a surprise to anyone who has seen Naima perform in the time since the release of her 2022 debut "Giant Palm", undoubtedly a communal experience.

With a band of ten, three, or even just solo, when Naima plays there's a rare bond between the musicians on stage and the audience. In their interview with her, The Quietus declared "after every song the applause and cheering is immense, so immense in fact that it seems to be coming from a different place than the usual formalities of a live show, a link between performer and artist forged somewhere deeper and more personal."

"A folky hymn to regret with a lovely, loping pace and sweetly lazy horn refrain" - The Guardian

"Pushed to excellence by sensitive arrangements that build raw, personal lyrics into climaxes where every emotional nuance can be intimately shared by the listener. 9/10" - The Line of Best Fit

"When its complexities are allowed to expand it will reward its listener tenfold." The Quietus: Music of the Month

"What is abundantly clear is that Bock's creative star is very much with her. 8/10" - Uncut

"Reinforces the gravitas of her songwriting. A beautiful record dominated by fading light and ominous shadows, it could well be your perfect Autumn soundtrack. 8/10" - Clash

"An album of strange charm and character, which wears its originality lightly. 4/5" - The Times

Description

Eddington Avenue,

Cambridge,

Cambridgeshire,

England,

CB3 1AA.