There’s a timelessness to Jim Halfpenny‘s sound that really makes his music stand out from the crowd. It feels at once classic song writing yet also forward-thinking – retro-modern you might say. What else stands out is his ability to weave a tale in his songs, as evidenced by Moment of Science, the opening track of his new album, History Pays A Visit.

By Graeme Smith

A classic rock and roll arrangement sets the bed for the track while Jim’s charismatic vocals deliver his distinct lyrics. You stop and listen at once; every word feels important.

History Pays a Visit is Jim’s fourth album release. He describes it as a concept album, drawing on his personal experience as well as events from throughout human history. Across its fourteen tracks, he borrows from a range of genres and we hear rock, folk, blues and traditional elements. Jim is a professional film composer as well as being a recording artist and you can tell he has an ear for composition. Each track across his new album feels deliberate and they all blend together superbly.

From Moment of Science we move with ease into the album’s title track which is rich with poetry and cultural references. It’s an early highlight.

Other highlights include the bright, groovy, Paul Simon-esque Kingdom Come, the jaunty and illustrative Pedestrian, the metaphor-filled Calendar Girl, the brooding, acoustic rock of Visiting Oblivion, and souful album closer Man in the Moon. That’s to name a few. There are no real lowlights across the album.

There are few song writers out there like Jim Halfpenny. He has a flair for narrative and an ear for a tune. His new album is a must listen.

History Pays a Visit is out now and you can give it a listen below.