Some people are born to perform together, complimenting each other perfectly both musically and vocally.
It’s something that has to naturally evolve and can never be forced with the result usually tantalisingly brilliant and seemingly effortless.
Luke Joyce’s decision to reinvent his successful I Build Collapsible Mountains project by adding the subtle and sweet voice of Sophie Adams and renaming themselves Collapsible Mountains is proof positive if this adage.
The two have come together to record Ribs on Heart, a delicate and alluring collection of songs, that charms and leads the listener on a stripped back folk journey.
Pretty and compelling with powerful lyrics, the album is laced with hypnotic picked melodies that lift the tracks, while always retaining a certain lo-fi charisma.
Opener, ’Endings‘ exudes vulnerability with harmonised vocals and quietly picked folk guitar.
It’s both intriguing and tender and is a beautiful introduction that has you craving for the rest of the album.
‘Laid Plans’ continues in the same vein with Adams’ exquisite vocal introducing a slow burner that picks up when joined by Joyce and a wonderfully paced strummed guitar; the subtle melody and singing is juxtaposed by brooding dark lyrics.
‘My Home’ is lazy and laid back with a mixed acoustic rhythm complimented by a floating, light electric melody.
‘Thorns’ moves on at a brisk pace gaining momentum with a by now trademark electric melody that is broken by a stalling vocal and acoustic rhythm; deliciously melancholy it’s another perfect folk pop track.
‘Lights Have Gone Out’ initially sheds the delicate feel of the previous tracks to reveal a darker harder edge to the song writing.
Profoundly desolate and bleak it breaks back into a quite subtle moment of reflection before gripping you with its lyrics of breathing in your last air.
Title track ‘Ribs On Heart’ has just perfect picked acoustic and electric guitar; a truly stunning work relying almost completely on musical quality with interspersed lyrics, sung in beautiful harmony.
The track transcends to a moment of utter brilliance where a dreamy soaring melody pulls at the heart with raw emotion that only music can purvey.
A short but sweet interlude is given by ‘Wee Bit’, less than a minute of easy going acoustic guitar that gives you a chance to draw breath.
‘Hope’ has Joyce singing a faster more upbeat track with a folk rock vibe; the guitar is harder edged and pacier softened only by Adams’ backing vocal
The record is completed by ‘To A Body A Beat’ and ‘Where We Go Tomorrow Starts’; both tracks are a delight with the former being a complicated narrative of guarded love and a need for reassurance.
Buy this record; it’s a wonderful work that proves that stripped back simple music can be strong, compelling and beautiful.
Joyce and Adams have come together to produce a sound that’s raw yet enchanting in a perfect collaboration.
Words: Peter Dorrington
