Few artists possess Hayden Thorpe’s ability to guide listeners on a journey into the wild. Across his solo career, from the introspective balladry of Diviner to the lush soundscapes of Moondust for My Diamond, Thorpe has crafted a distinctive sonic identity. What sets Thorpe apart, however, is his remarkable ability to describe the everyday in ways that feel at once both familiar and otherworldly. He has a knack for filtering the mundane through timeless and almost fantastical scenarios, where time itself seems non-linear—everything happens at once, and the same human experiences echo throughout history, merely parcelled up and worded differently. This gift was evident in Two Dancers, the magnum opus from his previous band, Wild Beasts. The result was a fascinating record that made listeners rethink their place in the world, blending contemporary issues with the weight of history, and crafting a narrative that felt both modern and ancient in equal measure. It’s this blending of the familiar with the extraordinary that has consistently made Thorpe’s work such a captivating and thought-provoking experience.

With his third album, Ness, an adaptation of Robert Macfarlane’s book, he delivers his most ambitious project yet. A striking fusion of historical dread and natural wonder, it explores humanity’s vulnerability against the vast power of nature. As a triumph of musical storytelling, Ness has the potential to stand alongside literary-inspired masterpieces like Pink Floyd’s Animals. In the intimate surroundings of Liverpool Philharmonic’s Music Room, Thorpe brings the album to life with a performance that is both enchanting and resonant.

Opener Merman sets the tone for the evening with its ominous, pulsing bass and the eerie wail of clarinet, creating an atmosphere as brooding as it is magnetic. There is a real contrast once Hayden starts to sing in his signature style, what can only be described as a thing of beauty sores over the claustrophobic soundscape creating somethings that is both mythical and otherworldly. It’s an immediately arresting start, pulling the audience deep into the world of Ness.

Inspired by the mysterious Orford Ness and its interplay of human intervention and nature’s reclaiming power. True to its nature, tonight Thorpe presents the album in its entirety, inviting us to experience its full narrative arc. Song of the Bomb stands out as a definitive moment this evening, cementing its place as a potential folk classic. ‘It ‘ also marks a poignant connection to Thorpe’s previous work with Wild Beasts, offering the closest parallel to their sound since the band disbanded. The live rendition of this intricate piece, performed alongside members of the Propellor Ensemble, is nothing short of breath-taking, a powerful reminder of Thorpe’s remarkable craftsmanship. It’s an exceptional start to the year for the live music scene.

Growing up in the Lake District, Thorpe’s rural upbringing has been a defining force in his music. The stunning landscapes and natural surroundings of this region have deeply influenced his song writing, instilling his work with a profound connection to the earth and its elements. Themes of nature’s raw power and quiet beauty are central to his songs, with Thorpe often exploring human fragility in the face of the vast, unyielding landscape. His latest album, Ness, is a perfect vehicle for these trademark themes, drawing inspiration from Robert Macfarlane’s novel of the same name. The book’s exploration of nature and its reclaiming power aligns seamlessly with Thorpe, making Ness a deeply personal and fitting reflection of his connection to the world around him. Through his ethereal yet grounded soundscapes, Thorpe continues to craft music that feels both intimate and elemental, echoing the natural world’s grandeur and fragility.

The encore delivers an emotionally charged mix of Thorpe’s solo work, including the title track from his debut album and the piano-driven Love Crimes. The latter is a stunning blend of beauty, heartbreak, and catchy allure, a song that lingers long after its final note. The night draws to a close with a heartfelt rendition of Lion’s Share, a Wild Beasts classic that hasn’t been performed in some time. Thorpe’s commanding delivery reminds the audience of the profound impact he’s had on the music industry. He continues to be one of the most adventurous and unpredictable artists around, always pushing boundaries and surprising audiences with every new turn.