Rich in social commentary and rooted in tradition, Jim Causley´s latest album is a facinating study of the relationship between people and place.

‘The Georgic’ is Jim Causley’s second album of entirely self-penned songs and its release also coincides with the 20th anniversary of his debut album ‘Fruits of the Earth’. The album seamlessly blends slick studio production with live field recordings, giving the album a professional, yet rustic feel. This production aptly represents the lyrics of the album which explore a plethora of contemporary themes, ranging from the difficulties of modern-day farming, the housing crisis and cider-making, to name but a few!

Standout tracks for me include ‘The Voice of the people’ and ‘The Imagined Village’. In ‘The Voice of the People’ Causley has intelligently interwoven recordings of local people talking about their issues throughout the song. This technique brings the themes of the story to life and helps give it a personal touch. ‘The Imagined Village’ is a poignant piece discussing the housing crisis but also how this has an impact on the environment and farmers. In this song Causley strays from the more standard folk format and arrangement used throughout the rest of the album, instead opting for a single piano accompaniment and an understated vocal delivery, verging on spoken word. I think this helps to make the track stand out from the rest of the album and also highlights the contemporary nature of the issues being discussed.

The vision for this album was born out of Causley’s involvement in ‘Here’s to Thee,’ a community art project by Simon Pope that celebrates cider making and the connections that are forged from that tradition. But, like all traditions, maintaining it is a challenge, and across this album Causley is acutely aware of the precarious times he is living in. While he mourns the fading of the culture he knows and loves, he remains open to the new local culture that might evolve in its place. The result is an album overflowing with spirited determination and hope.

Standing proud, at 18 tracks long, there’s plenty for the listener to absorb whether you are in the mood for songs of social and political commentary or songs grounded in the seasons and harvests. His mixture of strong lyricism, combined with excellent musicianship and varied production methods makes for an engaging listen. 

☞ Pre-order the Album Here ☜

Discover more:

www.jimcausley.co.uk