British neoclassical composer Richard Laurence, who records as Gifts From Crows, has just released the third part of a trilogy of records that started back in 2020. It was through the first part of that trilogy, Holding A Thought Forever, that I first discovered his music, and have been following him every step of the way to this final instalment, entitled Etudes Of The Crow.

By Graeme Smith

Holding A Thought Forever enchanted me, while part two of the series Stories In Slow Light challenged my perceptions. For good measure, there were some live, orchestrated renditions created with the Northern Film Orchestra at Stoller Hall in Manchester. Etudes Of The Crow continues to surprise, with each piece on the album given three different treatments – a solo piano version, an orchestrated version and an ambient/electronica mix.

In this way, you get the best impression of the range of Richard’s sound, and what sets him apart from other neoclassical composers, and it’s incredible how much the mood of each piece can change based on its arrangement. Lead single A Persistent Dream is a wonderful case in point. Prior to this album release I had only heard its ambient mix. The other renditions give it new life.

In a world of digital music, Richard has managed to create something concrete with the release. I listened to the album on CD, able to absorb the photography of collaborator Johanna Ronn as I did. Her dream-like self-portraits beautifully render the themes that the music introduces – ideas of the conscious and the subconscious, and the lies we tell ourselves to get by.

So too the video Johanna created for Forever Surrendering, which you can view below, in which Johanna becomes ghostlike behind a misted glass.

If you’re into neoclassical music, then Etudes Of The Crow is a must-listen. If you’re not usually, then I implore you to give it a go. You may find yourself a convert like me. You can listen to the whole album below.