Review by Alanna Eileen

‘Caravan’ is an apt title for CARUS THOMPSON’s latest release. The Fremantle ex-pat recorded the album in both England and Australia and the theme of travel pervades its thirteen tracks. It is an immaculately produced mix of gentle ballads and upbeat country-infused numbers that lingers long after the first listen.

Opener ‘Red Sky’ sets the scene, drawing on an old adage to craft the story of a failed relationship, interspersed with vivid imagery and perfectly complimented by the subtle strains of a violin. ‘You Can’t Find Me’ follows, an up-tempo reflection on the life of a travelling musician that is later reiterated in the title track ‘Caravan’.  “Hit the highway, singing songs,” Thompson sings, “take the long way/Count the big things all day long.”

Thompson co-produced this predominantly acoustic offering with Greg Arnold. It was mixed and mastered in Nashville and the quality of production is evident. The album also features UK folk icons Seth Lakeman and Sean Lakeman who contribute to the backing on ‘Bright Star’ which is a song about Australian athlete Peter Norman.

Other highlights include ‘Headstrong’, a piano-laced slice of alt. country on which Thompson’s brother Christian Thompson guests, and the haunting string quartet on ‘Whistleblower’ that brings a brand new texture to an otherwise guitar-driven album.

The record culminates with the lullaby-like closer ‘Luke’s Song’ – though consisting of just Thompson and his guitar, its sparse arrangement feels no less full and affecting than that of the preceding tracks.

With ‘Caravan’, Carus Thompson has proved he is a gifted songwriter. He does not fall into the trap of over production but allows his work to breathe with minimal accompaniment.  Though he could be likened to Paul Kelly or Ryan Adams, Thompson avoids comparison by ignoring trends and creating music that sounds new and original. This makes for a very refreshing and enjoyable listen.