Neil Halstead was first part of Creation Records dream pop group Slowdive who recorded probably one of the greatest albums on the label, and then when they split he formed the equally impressive Mojave 3 which had a more folkish slant. Now he’s solo (in fact Digging Shelters is off his third and upcoming solo record) and has continued off the folk vibes of the latter band.
The track itself is the sign of a person who still hasn’t lost any of the talent that made him great in the first place. DS is full of delicate touches … a violin here, a piano there … it’s all quite deftly done. In an age where folk musicians are either too sparse or too flowery, Halstead gets everything just right. This track is tasteful and packs an emotional punch. Not to mention that his voice is now like a slightly more earthy Nick Drake and less grainy Evan Dando. A perfect song for reflecting on those summer days.
