Album Review: Brightest Days

Wellington recording artist Timothy Blackman (Home Alone Music) has released his first new album in eight years. Ten tracks of calm contemplation and personal reflection Brightest Days can be described as a Lo-fi Refreshing and honest LP.

Anyone who’s bio states “Singer. Does records and shows. Will be around for a while longer.” Immediately has my attention for the refreshing lack of self-promotion used to promote.

Brightest Days was recorded and mixed in a friends Wellington apartment over a period of a few months. That friend happened to be Brooke Singer (French For Rabbits) and this was her first stint recording and mixing, Brooke also contributes to vocals along with Lucy Botting (Girl Boss) both adding their own delicate sound to the mix.

This album is an alternative collection of sincere, candid storytelling. Raw genuine lyrics flow like a musical storybook. Balm for a bruised soul.

From one track to another, slightly haunting but also strangely comforting acoustic instrumentation glides along in a laid back but “emotionally direct” fashion.

The first single off the album shared prior to the album release is the Zen like By The River which is complemented by a breath-taking music video directed by Hamish Waterhouse with cinematography by Bill Bycroft showcasing the beauty of South Wairarapa.

This song combined with the visuals has a lovely sense of tranquillity about it. Much like the rest of Brightest Days.

This is an appealing album, loaded with personal contemplation and delivered gracefully.