Crowning a pivotal year for London-based songwriter James Crowley, ‘Imprint’ is an impressive, yet not surprising record, a body of work that showcases all the inspired artistry Crowley has to offer. Out now, the EP features four tracks and has been developed in collaboration with Joel Amey from Wolf Alice. Mike Horner is on production duties.
Judging by its title track, ‘Imprint’ is a record that feels elegant and orchestral, but also intimate and comforting at the same time. There’s a certain tension between Crowley and Amey’s reflective storytelling and Horner’s kaleidoscopic production; an aural chiaroscuro that transforms ‘Imprint’ into a perfect example of musical escapism. It’s an EP that invites listeners in and that takes them away into a magical, fictional world, one where indie-folk charisma is often exchanged for chamber-pop melancholy.
Delving deeper into the creative ethos that propels the EP, Crowley explains: “’Imprint’ is me trying to understand the marks people and experiences leave on us, and what we choose to do with them. The EP moves through desire, love, family and identity, but underneath all of it is this question of whether we’re destined to repeat what we’ve inherited. I wanted these songs to be honest about the mess, but ultimately they’re about finding the courage to choose differently.”
For anyone keen, Crowley is set to headline The Victoria, London, on October 14th. Tickets here.
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