James Booth – Views From My Shed EP

After a run of club-ready 12”s, the fifth No Bad Days release slows the pace right down. On the Views From My Shed EP, long-standing friend of NBD James Booth breaks in new alias The Gardener with an easy-going record inspired by nature and sure to inspire relaxed, repeat listens. The A-side weaves wind chimes, field recordings and mellow melodies through one whole 20 minute movement in four parts, entitled “Lilac Moor”. We like to imagine David Attenborough listening while eating Sunday morning breakfast in his dressing gown. Verdant and breezy, it’s headphone listening at its most inviting, mmm… On the flip are three more conventional cuts: “Secret Trail, “Water Clock” and “Stones & Minerals”. The Gardener takes the soft seeds of the A-side, sprinkles some light percussion, and grows them into songs with a gentle pulse. Fans of Lawrence English’s ambient music, the inviting atmospheres of Japanese film soundtracks, or even the calmer side of Dial and Kompakt will find favour with these.