UPC: 5060921976025
Like previous releases, Special Powers features a mix of songs and instrumentals both large and small, inhabiting the psych/chamber/folk/pop world that Craig has lived in for a while now. Indeed, fans of his solo work and Arch Garrison will recognise many of his trademark musical elements; strong emphasis on melody and chord combined with a clear rhythmic sense, a mixed palette of guitars, strings, wind, various keyboard instruments and percussion. Craig's music is often described as 'beautiful', 'English-sounding'; not sure why - probably the chords - which certainly do have a Vaughan Williams/ Cardiacs/Dowland/' Canterbury-esque ' (etc etc) aspect, but with selective use of dissonance to add a little astringency and temper the bitter-sweet melancholy.