Album Review: Flook, Sanju

The fourth album from Flook finds the Anglo-Irish outfit reflecting on the advice of poet Mary Oliver: “Pay attention/ Be astonished/ Tell about it.” Across five tracks, Sanju is testament to this wisdom.

The album was recorded in just three days, helmed by cutting edge producers Stevie J Jones and John Calvert, reminding us that Flook haven’t stopped since forming in 1995. A mesmerising effort, the album documents the band’s flute-driven roots, whilst searching out new horizons.

Opener and highlight ‘The Farther Shore/Winter Flower’ proves an ideal overture. The first half of the track situates listeners along the coastal roads between Co. Antrim, via a rich soundscape of delicate guitar pluckings, warbling woodwinds and a gallivanting rhythm. The second half, meanwhile, takes in love’s lasting glow, courtesy of a gorgeous tune and upbeat melody.

As Flook have evolved, they’ve transformed into lyrical storytellers. Each composition on Sanju is rich with sonic layers, rooted in the intangible essence of human experience – exploring themes of friendship, persecution, family, love and loss, as well as the cruelty and beauty of the world we live in today.

8/10

Out Friday, March 21