Skyscraper Crow

iTunes Review

Whether with Varnaline or as a solo act, Anders Parker writes deeply felt songs that often disappear into the quiet of the night. This 20-song double album, his first in three years, often takes a gentle approach, but begins things with an electronic crunch. (It’s superficially the technological “Skyscraper” vs. the acoustic “Crow”). “Calling Out to You” kicks things off with a touch of ‘80s new wave, with its mechanical drums and bassline. “Infinite (Us)” further dips into retro keyboards that bring out Parker’s underrated pop side. “Water” adds an angelic choir to a solemn hymn that shades towards Robert Wyatt while further keyboard-led tunes such as “The Long Way Home” and “Farewell Old Love” form a warm ambient wall. While the electronic experiments are interesting, it’s the folk side that delivers the most emotional bang as Parker whispers past with beautifully finger-picked meditations (“Here We Are,” “My Bird”). Here, Parker’s voice is a slightly roughened marvel, able to sing gentle, assuring ballads that sparkle with shades of dark country (“Horses Running Over the Hills”).