Cambridge singer-songwriter Luke James Williams provides a taste of what he has in store with Hollows And Branches, the third single to preview his forthcoming album. The album, Limes Hotel will be with us in April.
THE JAMES TAYLOR OF THE FENS
Upcoming Cambridge singer-songwriter, Luke James Williams, is carving quite a niche for himself. His song, Still in Bed – a track from his 2018 debut EP, Drove – was selected as a Track of the Week by Tom Robinson on his BBC6 radio show and received widespread airplay across the channels. He’s appeared at Cambridge Folk Festival and he’s supported the likes of Thea Gilmore, Mark Chadwick (of Levellers fame), Charlie Dore and Megson in concert. Perhaps most markedly, he’s earned the epithet The James Taylor of the Fens in some quarters…
Luke’s second full-length album, Limes Hotel, will be with us in April. Acouple of appetisers – Seeds and Ends – have already been doing the rounds. Hollows And Branches is the album’s third preview single. On this evidence, Limes Hotel sounds like it’s going to be well worth the wait.
A NEW CHAPTER
When it arrives, Limes Hotel will signal the opening of a new chapter for Luke. The album was shaped by an intense period of grief that Luke endured, following the loss of two close friends. Across the album’s 11 tracks, Luke explores mortality, belief, connection, the process of rebuilding and – ultimately – renewal. As Luke points out:“Grief is universal but it often feels very isolating. I hope this album, whilst having been born out of a very dark time, can give a little light and some comfort to people going through similar experiences.” If Hollows and Branches is any sort of trustworthy indicator, I’m sure that the album will accomplish exactly that.
Speaking specifically of Hollows And Branches, Luke says: “I wrote this song remembering an old friend who is sadly no longer with us. I used to stay at her house and we’d have the most amazing times. Climbing up hills late at night to see the stars and planets, cooking delicious food, playing music. We even once nursed an injured owl back to health before releasing it back into the wild. She instilled in me a profound love of nature and the idea that we are all one, with the natural world around us.”
SAD, YET CELEBRATORY
Distantly chiming piano notes provide the counterpoint to Luke’s intense vocals. There’s a hint of brass there, somewhere within the mix, but it doesn’t detract from the intensity, as Luke recalls his friend’s final departure. “I still don’t don’t know where I’m heading,” she tells him, ” but I hope the waters aren’t this rough again. When I’m long from this world – too far to be seen – in the hollows and branches you’ll find me.” It’s a sad message, but it’s a celebratory one too. That spectrum of emotion is reflected in the structure of the song. A song that grows from humble, confessional, beginnings into something that’s rather grand and joyous, by the time Luke reaches his final chorus.
With Limes Hotel, Luke James Williams will be singing of experiences that we’ll all undergo at some time or another. Songs like Hollows And Branches are the touchstone that helps us to come through those difficult times
Luke James Williams will be touring Limes Hotel during the coming spring. Full details of the tour can be found here.
Watch the official video to Hollows and Branches below:
Luke James Williams: Website