Departures

“Full length CD album from Jerome aka Message to Bears, Oxfords premiere ambient folker. Here he brings us 10 tracks of his gorgeous acoustic guitar driven melancholy, beginning with the the aptly titled “Running Through Woodland”, the track sets a menacing pace with layers of guitars and cellos. “Hidden Beneath” is driven by a stomping pulse and delightful percussion. Plenty of glock action and viola sweeps, uplifting choral vocals and delicate piano lines, this is Jerome at his finest yet, showcasing a brilliant melodic ability, combing classical instrumentation into a folk/pop structure taking cues from bands such as Explosions in the Sky. This is an album that will leave you speechless every time you listen as you uncover new hidden details, textures and melodies. I couldn’t be prouder to release this.

500 copies on CD, housed in an arigato pak, with insert. Hand numbered, each with an individual old photograph and all wrapped in brown paper, hand stamped and tied with string, which perfectly compliments the music.”

Reviews:

“This record left our Phil feeling ecstatic. Message To Bears I know sod all about. I remember hearing the last single and thought it was OK but I wasn’t particularly taken by it. The new album Departures arrived early this week wrapped up in string and brown paper and I took it upon myself to check it out forthwith as it looked amazing. The 2nd time I heard it I was totally blown away. I had the whole goose pimple bumpy arm thing which I rarely get with new music these days. It’s gorgeous acoustic guitar music punctuated by some neo classical beauty. There’s some amazing tracks on here… check out Pretend To Forget though you don’t get to hear the strings come in which totally haunt you (the downside with 30 second clips.