From the Trees

Certainly the best Peter Hammill solo release for several years, and the man has produced so many albums and so many memorable songs. This one feels just right for his stage of life and his advancing years. His lyrics are always deep and powerful but these seem even more personal. I can't remember having listened so closely to lyrics on album in ages. In terms of a stripped-down style 'From the trees' reminds me of the mid-80's album 'As close as this' although this one is more gentle. All the multi-layered voices are his along with just piano and guitar (plus occasional background synth). This is Peter Hammill taking stock of where he is and what lies ahead and laying it out for us in typically honest fashion. There are several excellent tracks here and I would pick out 'Reputation' and 'The Descent' as classic PH. How many more like this one are left in the tank I don't know but his continuing enthusiasm and craftsmanship is worthy of the highest praise.

Peter Hammill has produced some great tracks and a good sound. What I like most about it is the minimal instrumentation. This suits him. No big sound this time, and excellent singing and backing vocals. A slightly empty sound with a lot of nice piano. Recommended. I think it is his best for at least 20 years. Last one I enjoyed this much was Fireships.

For an avid follower of Peter Hammill since the early 80s this is a more than welcome addition to his immense and overall superb catalogue. Short, concise, bare songs with a lot of mind, heart and soul. Still on top of his game, still important, still innovative. A must for all fans, but also a good starting point for beginners.

Another masterpiece from the amazing Peter Hammill. I have bought everything he has ever done and have never been disappointed. Love the feel and texture to this. Haunting and incredible.

Great package, pleased.

... is not to be expected in view of the enormous overall output. What distinguishes PH, however, is that you can still buy his new releases "blind", because you can hardly anticipate what's really going on in the new PH factory. So also here. Quiet, a lot of ballad character, use of piano and the famous "Hammill-Choirs". I've heard everything before, but not like that. As always, his lyrics are full of content, but increasingly tricky and sometimes a little bit spiritualized. All in all a well done album and quite "new", e. g. reminiscent of "clutch", but then quite different. Sometimes there is a lack of overall dynamics and the overall sound image gets too calm. This also applies to his vocal qualities, because he does not exhaust this uniqueness in screaming, ensnaring, lamenting, being angry and at the same time cajoling and decides rather direction of sonorous wisdom of old age. In his oeuvre as a whole, around three stars. In view of the unimaginative nature of his much younger "colleague" and in view of his power, even after 50 albums in some cases. want to make something new 4 stars are appropriate

I love it, well, in a quirky sort of way. "From the trees" is a complete contrast to his penultimate solo release, the dark and demanding "All that could have been". Structurally, these are lighter, melodic, even riffy songs that you can hum to in the bath would you believe! This is all deceptive since the lyrical content is as confessional, reflective and remorseful as "Over" was all those years ago. The darkest and most introspective lyrics dance on the lightest and most melodic arrangements. Yes, no-one can beat himself up quite so effectively as PH and still make it an artistic achievement.While "Do not disturb" was reflective on a VDGG level, this is more a more personal analysis. Did he ever really get over Alice? "Girl to the North country" seems to be one of a few revisitations I suspect PH has given her in lyrical format. "How strange that everyone bought the line you invented to romanticise the past"; however, is too punishing a confession to make; I don't think deception is in the PH psyche. His vexation that she could do no better is clearly demonstrated in the lyrics. Little is known of her in the public domain, but it's clear she was the source of an almost inescapable gravity that kept PH focused inwards when he could have been so much more lyrically progressive and perhaps more successful, but is that what he would have wanted?On the other hand his ability to structure a compelling an enduring sound is certainly undimished if this set is anything to go by. Physical and mental frailty is addressed in "Torpor" and further crystallized in "the decent" that meshes his own personal climb and now decent by paying homage to those who have done the same on a physical level. In this song PH seems to be fusing his personal experience with Francys and Sergei Arsentiev who both climbed Everest without oxygen only to become seperated and die in the decent in the most tragic circumstances. The transiency, impermanance and ultimate misadventure of life rather than futility is the message in this and much of the other songs methinks.This is all too familiar you might say but this is certainly a very accessible, interesting and listenable album. The voice may have lost much of its range but still formidable none the less. All instruments are by PH himself, highlighting what an accomplished musician he is.So there you have it, it's just my opinion and that's all it is. What do you think Alice?

For me "From the Trees" is only a shade below 5 stars. A mainly piano, guitar and vocal set, it would be a pleasure to hear any of these songs in the live solo show. "The Descent" in particular is absolutely excellent and is up there with my very favourite PH tracks. If you like Hammill you will not be disappointed.