Seeing Brakes play to an ecstatic crowd at the End of the Road Festival was a highlight of our first visit there and so my interest was piqued when an email arrived with details of the new solo album from Thomas White for it is he who has played with aforesaid Brakes as well as Electric Soft Parade and one of Barry-Sean’s favourites, British Sea Power.

The album was recorded on a six week sojourn to Egypt and suffering from homesickness he turned to his guitar, laptop and an old Sony Handicam. Over the next ten days he wrote songs, snorkelled, and drank and managed to create what would become this release, Yalla.

We’d already seen a couple of very good reviews and it has been a treat to listen to some of the songs on the album. They are simple, reflective and very personal and stripped of any trickery, trappings or extras they remain both touching and resonant in a way that is rarely heard these days.

You can download Ocean Green below. The album is out on the 19th and you can order a signed copy from Recordstore here if you’re quick.

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