Journeyman troubadour Carus Thompson returns with his 8th studio album Neon Folk.
Produced by long-time friend and West Australian musical treasure Nathan Gaunt, Neon Folk was recorded in Perth between the border closures, lockdowns and mayhem of 2020 and 2021. Thompson was living in Melbourne throughout that time and he found himself, as did many others, separated from his wife and children for over six months.
This tumultuous time has produced a wonderful record, and themes of determination, hope and surprisingly, positivity run through Neon Folk.
Constant throughout the record is Gauntās brilliant contemporary production and beautifully skilful slide guitar playing. There is also a deliberate wrenching of Thompsonās classic singer-songwriter approach into the year 2022; at times an electro feel juxtaposes against the folky acoustic artist, yet Gauntās production never feels forced.