On James Waudby’s third solo record, he continues to prove himself to be one of England’s finest fingerpickers, as he uses his dexterous skills to effectively weave a dire warning of the future.

A casual listen to this record would lead one to believe it was just a pleasant folk record, yet closer examinations would reveal grim and disquieting tones and unsettling lyrics. Waudby’s gentle melodic acoustic picking and softly stoic vocals paint an anxious future for his home of East Riding of Yorkshire. Each song is sung from the contemplative view of a different person dealing with total environmental collapse due to an uncaring populist government and rampant biomanufacturing, like Mirror Life research. Meanwhile, the record’s bucolic instrumental pieces conjure locations and climates that no longer support life.

Waudby’s stark and foreboding compositions feel earthy and deeply linked to the Northern landscape that he calls home, and once again brings to mind the likes of Renbourn and Jansch, Nick Drake or Michael Chapman. Yet he fears that right-wing extremist governments and irresponsible ecological experimentation will soon turn this land grey and inhospitable, so you can feel this urgency, frustration and fear come through in his hurried and intentional playing. This is rural fingerpicking, but shaped by a purpose to tell a story and to warn others.

As long protected wildlife preserves in America are being sold off to logging and mining companies and essential environmental protections are being lifted in the name of commerce, a similar dark fate could easily come to Britain if the people don’t take it seriously and speak up. This album is a red flag told from a deeply human and personal perspective to draw attention to where the country is headed if progress is walked back several steps and if biomengineering is not done ethically.

Cold, somber and yet still a tender and powerful listen, The Last Days Of Mirror Life could easily be the most perfect soundtrack to Silent Spring. Get your copy on CD, digital or vinyl today.

-KH