B-Side Guys

Corvus & The Morning Star’s “A Break In The Clouds” descends upon listeners like a benevolent fog, enveloping them in a haze of 60s-tinged psychedelia filtered through a modern lens. This Manchester sextet crafts a sound that’s as expansive as the titular sky, yet as intimate as a whispered secret.

The track’s structure unfolds like a waking dream, with Charlie Sherliker’s vocals serving as a guide through the mists of consciousness. Lines like “Hold your thoughts and follow me / Push through the wall of reality” set the tone for a journey that’s as much internal as it is sonic. It’s an invitation to transcend the mundane, delivered with the casual confidence of seasoned psychonauts.

Musically, “A Break In The Clouds” is a masterful blend of old and new. Greg Neil’s lead guitar weaves sinuous patterns reminiscent of The Verve’s Nick McCabe, while Sam West’s keyboard work adds a layer of cosmic ambiance that would make Pink Floyd proud. The rhythm section, anchored by Lewis Bolton’s bass and Paul Hunt’s drums, provides a solid foundation for these flights of fancy, keeping the track grounded even as it soars.

The production strikes a delicate balance between vintage warmth and contemporary clarity. Each instrument occupies its own space in the mix, creating a sense of depth that rewards headphone listening. Frankie Stokes’ tambourine and “other percussion” add subtle textures that enrich the sonic palette without overwhelming it.

“A Break In The Clouds” serves as both a continuation of Manchester’s rich musical legacy and a bold step into new territory. It’s a track that invites listeners to lose themselves in its swirling soundscapes, only to emerge with a fresh perspective on reality. As the final notes fade, one is left with the sense that the clouds have indeed parted, revealing a world of infinite possibility.