Mike Kershaw, the UK-based multi-instrumentalist with a healthy crush on the Alan Parsons Project and The Moody Blues, returns with This Long Night, a warm, atmospheric and melodic album with an emphasis on synthy soundscapes. Despite such song titles as "A Kind of Hell" and "This Long Night," Kershaw's deep and steady (borderline monotone) vocals make the album sound comforting — as if an old friend has stopped by on a frigid night to sit and visit in front of the fireplace.
"Miracles," the spoken-word intro, doesn't suggest a strong start, but by the time Kershaw — who plays and sings everything here — hits the chorus of "Into the Sun," he's already improved on his previous album, 2012's pleasant-enough Reason to Believe. Kershaw is not for everyone, and his drum machine is this album's biggest drawback, but the vintage prog influences and subtle arrangements on This Long Night make for a quietly compelling record.
Track Listing:
1) Miracles
2) Into the Sun
3) A Kind of Hell
4) This Long Night
5) Causes
6) Words of Love
7) The Fire
8) Our Journeys Done
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