Ted Barnes

Master craftsman’s first album in 12 years, an exquisite filmic folk odyssey.

Barnes is one of those lesserspotted journeymen of British folk rock: Beth Orton’s right-hand man for a decade, a cornerstone of melancholic troupers Clayhill alongside the late singer Gavin Clark, a soundtrack composer (notably for director Shane Meadows). Solo albums are rare, just three in 20 years, almanacs of instrumental miniatures and occasional songs all sharing quintessentially autumnal hues – and these 17 tracks are no departure. Barnes says that Clark’s presence looms large over the album, and Way Beyond This, sung by Clark’s son Michael, has his dad’s gruff, aching presence, but 17 Postcards’ mood-board is still more wistful and calm than oppressive and dark: life goes on, after all. The record brings the equivalent of a beautiful view: the feeling that, however temporary, all’s right with the world.