The Cardiac Hotel

Description

Since quitting the kind of life lived by the rest of us in January 2014, Thomas has played over 300 shows, supporting label-mates Rob Lynch, Northcote and PJ Bond, among others, as well as appearing at Slam Dunk, Isle of Wight Festival, 2000 trees, Blissfields, Fest and Hevy.

He released his debut album Symptoms late 2014, a full-band affair crafted from analogue sounds. Comparisons to Elliot Smith and Simon & Garfunkel followed, as well as more shows and more opportunities to revel in community and friendship.
Second album The Cardiac Hotel was expedited and creatively driven by Thomass dad getting sick, the songs pouring forth as they tend to do when a loved ones future is uncertain. Its hard not to listen to The Lion and the Wolfs second album and not feel a little of that seismic shift yourself. If you dont feel it in the billowing organ chord that begins Dont Fail Me Now, then itll fill you on My fathers eyes. The reverb weight blurring the edges, seemingly disintegrating Thomass voice, brings pathos to the urgent, searing sounds that brew underneath.

Violins, brass and lyrics that break upon the softest ears and hearts like waves, particularly on The Pinching Point (All the time struggled to breathe, now she doesnt have to grieve at the finish line), while pianos and seething strings seem to bellow over the gentle finger picking and clicking drums on closer Find the Time.

It feels fragile while wrapping itself in strength of heart, a certain courage needed to bare the soul or strip down to honesty. The Cardiac Hotel is still warm though, never feeling disconnected from the listener, probably because of the lack of digital interference. And thats important because The Lion and the Wolf is all about intimacy and understanding.

Youll never be alone with The Lion and the Wolf, and youll never have to feel that way now youre part of the pride and pack.

A wholly autumnal, acoustic-led slice of melancholyone of the UKs most promising singer-songwriters. Rock Sound
Gentle vocals and lilting drive call to mind Elliot Smith and Simon and Garfunkel The Independent

One of the most underrated singer-songwriters in the UK today Poignant, mature, and the perfect soundtrack for the long winter ahead Punktastic

An elegantly understated and wistfully melancholic collection of prime-cut songs in the singer-songwriter vein Musical Melting Pot on Symptoms (92%)