Paul Weller’s discography of the past decade has glided across new territories, from the synth-laden, Amorphous Androgenous-enlisting experimentation of “Saturn’s Patterns”(2015), to the primal heartbeat of acoustic record “True Meanings” (2018). 2020’s “On Sunset” looks to be a continuation of this, but with Weller sourcing as much from the past as the future, with new release “The Village” presenting a hazy wall of joy.
Even more recently, Weller has invited fans into his home (albeit virtually), through acoustic covers via Twitter. “The Village” evokes this same intimacy with its lyrical message of true content, of the halcyon days being in the present not past. “I’ve got heaven around me”, Weller says of the track. Such a message from such a supposed rockstar is refreshing and, although released in a time where many are undoubtably not content, remains powerful. The idyllic keyboards, provided by Mick Talbot of the Style Council, are warm and reassuring.
“On Sunset” promises a vibrant diversity across its ten tracks, of heart-tugging ballads and elements of experimentation. The new album is released June 19th via Polydor Records. Listen to “The Village” below.
