TremulousMonk is the result of Chris Wilkinson's labors since summer 2000. After building his studio in hometown York, England, he has produced a number of EP's, including the beautifully sublime "Transparent Folk" EP, which first brought him to the [+]TremulousMonk is the result of Chris Wilkinson's labors since summer 2000. After building his studio in hometown York, England, he has produced a number of EP's, including the beautifully sublime "Transparent Folk" EP, which first brought him to the attention of Papercup Music and Mother West Records, both of New York City. His debut album, "Sparkle Like Your Shoes", is a collection of songs with childlike nursery rhyme melodies and plink plonk xylophones over softly picked acoustic guitars and cheap organs. Coupled with this are dry and gritty, Stones/Stooges style dirty grooves with tracks like "Dry Your Eyes" and "Sometimes She Needs Me". And as an ideal tonic for those 3 am moments, comedown tracks like "Trees" and the hauntingly sparse "Steal A Car" could melt the flesh from your bones.
Every once in a while something occurs that goes against the grain, that takes all the acknowledged norms and subtly molds them into what becomes a new one. Its a rare occurrence, especially in music, but when it happens you nod, with a grin and realize what you had been longing for. The music of TremulousMonk is a shining example of this. Refreshing, yet comforting in its references; Spacemen3, Galaxie 500 coupled with the delicate songwriting of Nick Drake, Mark Mulcahy and Alex Chilton, this album, like a close friend, draws you close, making you lean into the songs.
The aloof sound and tender lyrics of "Sparkle Like Your Shoes" both captivates and inspires, leaving you with an uplifting sense of soul and curious about future recordings. His sound is both thoughtful and fascinating and proves there is plenty more to come from TremulousMonk.
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