The Scattering of Leaves is the fourth release from Checking for Echo Project, which is mainly multi-instrumentalist Jon Farley with an impressive array of guest musicians and vocalists. Previous releases from this project have included cover versions of IQ, Frost*, Long Earth and Freedom to Glide, which will tell you something about their main influences. This album was created to raise money for two cancer charities, Maggie‘s in the UK and Dutch charity KWF who both provide vital expert care and support for sufferers of cancer and their families. Jon Farley explains the thinking behind the album title:
‘Most people think of a tree scattering its leaves as a negative; the end of something. The fact is it needs to happen in order for new growth to appear and for the tree to flourish in the future, reaching for the sun and standing taller than before. We should look at change as moments that shape us and our better, brighter future. Furthermore, the people who shine like stars in the dark, guiding and supporting us to make that growth are the truest of friends’.
This is a noble inspiration but how does the album compare to such aspirations?
There is a distinct Floydian tint to The Darkest Hour Is Just Before the Dawn with Suzi James of Fearful Symmetry on suitably Gilmour-esque guitar painting a cinematic opening into for the album. The distinctive voice of Freedom to Glide’s Andy Nixon carries the elegiac and sombre The Scattering of Leaves, very much in the style of Nixon’s main band. This understated and stately piece rolls forward gracefully towards a typically flowing guitar solo from Nixon – this is an impressive opening for the album. Venus opens eerily before Martin Haggerty, formerly of Long Earth, takes up the rather staccato rhythm with his almost chanted vocals, recounting a tale of debauched lust. The insistent, cascading melody is accentuated by writhing guitar and quirky keyboard sounds, but this motif does feel a little repetitive by the ending.
The Ticking Clock features the passionate baritone and classy vocals of Phil Stuckey from Stuckfish in this suitably metronomic and dignified piece. Ghostly, choral sounds give a spectral feel before a cascading finale of guitars and bass. The following Gratis is a simple, heartfelt song initially led by Jon Farley on piano and vocals. There is a bitterness about the culture of ‘music for free’ in which music is not valued, including the line ‘You ask me for a free CD in exchange for a good review’ (NB: For the avoidance of doubt, TPA definitely paid for their review download for this charity album!). The rather strained (but honest) nature of Farley’s vocals probably explains why he usually seeks out guest vocalists on this album, but his voice suits the theme of the song – after all he is the musician expressing these feelings about his art. Gratis opens out halfway through more expansively, but concludes with the forlorn lines:
“All the blood, sweat and tears” I say
“Now all the music’s gone” they’ll say
“Maybe we got it wrong” they’ll say
Sadly, Jon Farley does rather have a point about many people’s attitudes to the value of music.
The simple, atmospheric piano led instrumental Ascension follows, leading up to the highlight of the album in the achingly beautiful Stormy Clouds or Brightly Lit. Charlie Bramald from Ghost of the Machine soothes with softly impassioned vocals in a gorgeously pastoral song with poetic and lushly evocative lyrics. Suzi James excels on acoustic guitar and subtle flute, and later provides a delightfully tripping, restrained guitar passage. This softly hushed piece has an autumnal feeling, which probably explains the very Wind and Wuthering– like cover art.
Andy Nixon returns with impressive and earnest vocals for the hopeful Those we Leave Behind, once again featuring Suzi James’ skilful guitar. This plea against war could feel a little one-paced over six minutes, but it suits the lines and theme, and ends with an elegant synth passage. The Brightest Star ends The Scattering of Leaves on a brightly optimistic note, featuring Mama and Ellesmere’s John Wilkinson’s quality vocals. Alongside him is Jon Farley’s own ‘brightest star’ Penny Henderson-Gray on fragile, crystalline and beautiful vocals. Suzi James adds more tastefully played guitar as she has done so well throughout the album. It is a lovely way to finish off an enjoyable album.
TPA were late to pick up on this album but sometimes ‘better late than never’. Anyone looking for a well written and excellently performed album of meaningful, heartfelt and beautiful melodic rock songs should check out The Scattering of Leaves… and at the same time help the Checking for Echo Project to raise funds for two good causes.
TRACK LISTING
01. The Darkest Hour Is Just Before The Dawn (1:53)
02. The Scattering Of Leaves (5:20)
03. Venus (4:29)
04. The Ticking Clock (6:31)
05. Gratis (5:42)
06. Ascension (4:26)
07. Stormy Clouds Or Brightly Lit (4:26)
08. Those We Leave Behind (6:03)
09. The Brightest Star (5:04)
Total Time – 43:54
MUSICIANS
Jon Farley – All Instruments & Vocals
~ With:
Suzi James – Guitar (1,3,4,7,8 & 9), Bass (4), Flute (7)
Andy Nixon – Guitar (2), Lead Vocal (2 & 8)
Martin Haggerty – Lead Vocal (3)
Phil Stuckey – Lead Vocal (4)
Charlie Bramald – Lead Vocal (7)
John Wilkinson – Lead Vocal (9)
Penny Henderson-Gray – Vocals (9)
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Independent
Country of Origin: UK
Date of Release: 23rd November 2024
DISCOGRAPHY
– The War is Never Won (2020)
– Life and Other Short Stories (Pt 1) (2021)
– Life and Other Short Stories (Pt 2) (2022)
– The Scattering of Leaves (2024)
LINKS
Checking For Echo Project – Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube | X
