‘More Time, More Speed’ is the latest offering from the atmospheric songsmiths
An East Yorkshire folk band that has played Glastonbury and SXSW Festival is poised to release its latest album that has been two years in the works. Pavey Ark, whose sound has been described as ‘modern chamber folk’ and includes a cast of up to nine musicians from across the city, is led by Cottingham-based singer-songwriter Neil Thomas.
The lush sounds of ‘More Time, More Speed’ were recorded in a converted farm near Bishop Burton where the independent band could enjoy working at their own pace. It features songs Neil penned from as far back as the pandemic, with several featuring time as a theme – and creating a loose concept album exploring the past and future. It features striking cover photograph of the band in a vivid rapeseed field while holding a grandfather clock.
As an independent band, Neil – a graphic designer by day – and his bandmates manage everything themselves, from artwork to recording and booking gigs. The new album is released on Friday, November 21 on vinyl and is the precursor to what Neil hopes will be a year of live appearances, ramping up next February.
Since forming several years ago, Pavey Ark has attracted industry plaudits and earned airtime on BBC 6 Music and support slots for major artists such as This Is The Kit, Badly Drawn Boy and Steve Mason. The tender and atmospheric sounds bring to mind artists such as Fleet Foxes and Nick Drake.
Neil explained: “I was doing stuff myself, as a solo artist, and I’d released an EP. I decided I want to put a band together to play this EP. It all happened quite quick because the first time we ever played was a BBC Introducing session – because they knew me as a solo artists. That was in February 2016.
“I really fancied getting some strings on it so I emailed Hull University to see if any of the players there fancied joining. And a chap called Chris Heron did, and so did Catherine Queen. We did that BBC Introducing live performance which was getting filmed at the same time, so it was quite a lot of stress. But the strings sounded incredible and I thought ‘we have to keep this’ so it’s been that way ever since really.”
Earlier this year, Pavey Ark took to stages at the high profile music industry showcase event SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas. The dates across the pond were supported by a crowfunder campaign which saw fans offered the chance to get their names printed on the inner sleeve of the new album in return for their financial support.
“It was just mega,” said Neil. “It was such a great experience. I kind of hoped it would be, but sometimes when you have your eye on something it might not be all it promises to be. But this was. We played five times in the week and by the last night we were really tight because we’d rehearsed loads.”
Pavey Ark will stage a home town show at the Wrecking Ball in Hull on Sunday, November 30 at 2pm – a matinee show. Tickets are £10 and can be purchased from the band, along with the chance to pre-order the album.