Review: Simon Finn

Simon Finn - Through Stones (10 to 1 Records)
Simon Finn’s 1969 release, “Pass the Distance” is a long since deleted and highly collectable piece of acid folk. After moving to Canada in 1974 he spent a three decade musical hiatus writing books and songs, as well as teaching karate and organic farming, before re-emerging onto the music scene in 2003, after contact was made by David Tibet, to work with Current 93.

“Through Stones” marks his sixth post 2003 release (in which time there have been just as many reissues of “Pass The Distance”).

On “Through Stones” the tone is world-weary and dark, and Finn writes of death, decay, regret, the passing of time and injustice in highly philosophical and expressive poetic style. His guitar, keys and vocal are generally accompanied by violin, cello, flute, clarinet and accordion, from Joolie Wood, which lends either a traditional Celtic sensibility or hints at a haunting, droned paganism. Together with occasional drums and electronic experimentation (“Strict Straight and Gorgeous” and “Live in a Barn”) they offer further hues to Finn’s broad palette.
www.simonfinn.co.uk
www.10to1records.co.uk
Willsk