Thom Morecroft Releases Beautiful Album ‘Waiting For Leo’
Waiting For Leo is the new self-produced album from Shropshire folk artist Thom Morecroft.
In a dynamic change of direction from his 2019 release, The Feng Shui and The Sushi, Waiting for Leo appeals sonically through the lo-fi presence of Morecroft’s delicate acoustic guitar melodies and his distinctive vocals. What unfolds are 14 short but sweet tales reflecting his personal journey through grief and fatherhood.
Described by Thom as a series of recordings created in his old flat in Crosby during lockdown, the album was released on the 15 September through 9X9 Records on both vinyl and CD.
The Last Day You Left Home was released in 2022 as the first single from the album and instantly showcases Morecroft’s ability to feature all the qualities of a lead single in just under two minutes. Bluesy album opener Like a Dog followed as the second single release from the album. McCartney-esque, double tracked vocals and a rockabilly rhythm are energetically matched with an underlying, driving percussion beat before the track finishes at just one minute and nine seconds.
Such is the nature of the whole album with most songs lasting just over the two-minute mark providing a stream of consciousness suite that flows together effortlessly. Each track is a conversation with Thom himself, a personal invitation into the space in which they were written and recorded.
Despite its stripped back arrangements, the album avoids sounding like a collection of demos and instead highlights Morecroft’s maturity as a guitar player and producer, reflecting the themes of personal growth visited throughout the album.
Somebody Hurt Me evokes a John Martyn style ballad. Moving along steadily to a simple groove, a sudden detour in the chord progression is made all the more striking. Mother Pillow will be the third single release from the album. Penned after falling asleep watching TV the song depicts a dream-like state of mind, drifting in and out of a two-part harmony occasionally reminiscent of a modern-day Scarborough Fair, before a wistful flute brings us to the end.
Closing track, The Heavenly Doctor matches the energy of the album opener with another lively acoustic guitar and percussion pairing. A final nod to the fact that Thom needs no large band ensemble to say what he wants to say.
Stream Waiting For Leo on all major streaming platforms here.
Follow Thom Morecroft on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates.
Tickets are now available online for Thom Morecroft’s Christmas show at Prohibition Recording Studios on the 8 December with Grace Harvey supporting.
Naomi Campbell
