The debut album of Antony Hurley, an indie artist based in London, is approaching and he has been dropping singles to build up the anticipation. Quiet Rooms will not only be Antony’s debut album, but also the first release by Lanterne Records.
Written and recorded over two years, Quiet Rooms is the culmination of a decade of Antony’s interest in the craft of songwriting. The distillation of a sound Antony has honed over years playing with full bands, the album features intricate guitar and banjo work, emotive vocals, and an encompassing lyrical vision. Combining his longstanding interests in English folk, Americana, and old-time banjo with an increasingly diverse range of influences including Indian classical sarod and Brazilian guitar stylings, Antony manages to create an album that is both introspective and determinedly outward-looking. In the Quiet Rooms he has built, listeners will find a profoundly personal expression of a unique musical vision.
“Waterland” is the second track from forthcoming Quiet Rooms. The title is taken from the novel of the same name by Graham Swift. It was originally written as a demo of guitar chords and double-tracked vocals. Field recordings of a dawn chorus begin and end the track, honoring the demo that was covered in birdsong from the rural location from which Antony recorded. The introductory bird twitters give way to a mellow landscape of sweet guitar strums and honey-drenched vocals. The motif of time and loss are present in the lyrics, as well as images of the sea and streets of a forgotten town. Piano and synthesizers are layered to create a warm and rich sound for the listener to swim in. A welcome slowness permeates the pull of the track, acting as a reminder to allow ourselves to get lost in the moment.
