MUSIC

‘Who We Were and What We Meant By It’ (LP, Stitch-Stitch Records)

• Fortunately, the past tense verbs in the title don’t mean the Bristol twosome have changed much of what they do so well; their instrumentals are still full of tender plucks, lullabies and roving melodies warmly captured, intentionally unadorned. There’s an occasional piano tinkle, some well-timed trumpet burps, but it’s still the dialogue between the Toms’ 10 respective fingers caressing guitar and banjo telling the stories past and present. Some of their plots are seven years old – this album took its time – but age suits ’em: they’re poetic, even without words to rhyme, and so endearing you’ll wish the Toms were your neighbours and the walls were thin. Wrapped up in prettier-than-dreams artwork, this LP would be the perfect soundtrack for sleepless nights, cups of tea and washing-up – a subtle, but cinematic score for all the days of the week. (Kristen Grayewski)

www.mytwotoms.co.uk