by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

One True Pairing is the moniker for Tom Fleming, once of Wild Beasts – and is a vehicle that he has used for frank and honest commentary on his life.

In some commendably honest interviews, Fleming has spoken of his mental health difficulties, exacerbated by addiction, but has explained too how music has helped bring him round from them to a much safer space.

Having given notice of his solo potential with his self-titled debut record in 2019, Fleming returns with a host of instrumentalists in tow, but with his guitar kept closest to him.

What’s the music like?

Fleming is a confidential songwriter, letting the listener in to all corners of his world. This is most apparent on songs like Doubt, where he honestly offers up the lyric “I will always do what it takes, but there’s a doubt I can’t shake”. I Don’t Want To Do This Anymore goes further, regretting that “again, we’re lying in a puddle that we made”.

That he makes these brave asides is value enough, but when set against the beautiful instrumentation, chosen with regular collaborator Josh Taylor-Moon and producer John ‘Spud’ Murphy, the results are compelling. Prince Of Darkness is like a coiled spring, Fleming’s urgent vocal offering reassurance from the calm bed of guitars around it, before a sweeping harp takes over. Endless Rain is on firmer ground, and Midlife Crisis finds impressive resolve in the face of its doubts.

Throughout, Fleming’s voice is as personal as could be, its husk burning a path into the listener’s soul. At times this can lead to uncomfortable truths – A Landlord’s Death especially – while elsewhere it feels like a consoling hug. Ruthless Streak is darkly coloured but its string harmonics take it through a fever dream.

Perhaps most affecting of all is Frozen Food Centre, a beautiful epic where swirling guitars back a song about childhood, with the reassurance of home but the threat of spectres lurking in the aisles of the supermarket.

Does it all work?

It does. There is some remarkable music here, written out of necessity – and it makes a powerful impact.

Is it recommended?

Very much so. Those remembering Wild Beasts would be well advised to add One True Pairing to their collection if they haven’t already, as would those whose heads might be turned by songs with a folky edge. On this record Tom Fleming is in the same space as the listener, pouring out heart and soul, and his music resonates deeply with both.

For fans of… Wild Beasts, Nick Drake, Elliott Smith, John Martyn

Listen and Buy

Published post no.2,363 – Friday 15 November 2024