A music project led by composer and songwriter Paul Terry, Cellarscape drops first new release since 2017 with live, acoustic EP.

By Graeme Smith

Though we’ve not shared Paul’s music before as part of this vehicle, you might recognise the name in connection with his other performing name Aptøsrs. Jane interviewed him earlier this year in that guise.

While Aptøsrs focuses on cinematic soundtracks, Cellarscapes is a more acoustic affair, and what better introduction to the sound than through a live session. The tracks on Live at Siren FM were recorded in 2011 but have only been recently rediscovered on Paul’s old laptop. Their release nicely coincides with the 25th anniversary of the conception of his indie label SkyBabyRecords.

Live at Siren FM consists of four tracks recorded intimately with two-microphones. We get an immediate sense of Paul’s presence and sound through lively opener Minor Fractures. Stirring acoustic guitar sets the tone before his emotive vocals float in. There’s a punchy indie folk style about it all, and the lyrics take centre stage, rich with storytelling.

Static slows things down with a meditative, percussive moment full of heartbreak and philosophy. Blanket is full of delicate melancholy. You Got The Girl closes the session with a return to the opening liveliness. There’s a biting cynicism about its poetic lyrics as Paul shakes it all off with some final catharsis.

Sometimes it’s good to revisit your roots, and Paul can look back at his and be proud. These recordings are almost fifteen years old and still hold up. Live sessions always come with risk – there’s nowhere to hide on them – yet Paul embraces this vulnerability and makes it a superpower. The result is a gripping collection with plenty of replay value.

Live at Siren FM was mixed and mastered by Tony Lewis. The EP is out now and you can give it a listen below.