Lifter – ‘Clasping Hands with the Moribund’ Album Review

Posted on the 22 October 2024 by Spectralnights
Photo credit: Jessica Pratten

Bristol-based Lifter – a group featuring former Modern Rituals guitarist Harry Fanshawe and bassist and producer Miles Ward – release their lovingly self-produced debut album ‘Clasping Hands with the Moribund’ on 25 October.

‘The Consul Drinks’ opens the album with gorgeous, crisp guitar tones that have a twinkly emo edge. This laid-back and subtle yet stirring sound reminded us of Adem. This song is swiftly followed by ‘October’, a piece of chamber pop that throws in glockenspiel while the band talk about ‘sleeping on a rock. Recent single ‘I Have Done My Waiting’ has acoustic tones at the forefront but these are soon joined by grandiose strings and powerful drums.

‘Apparatus’ has an Big Thief-esque sound, while ‘Shaper clocks in at under 3 minutes but is sublime and swaying – with a delightful change in direction halfway through. There are more alt-folk moments on ‘Shooting Match’ and the album’s title track before it closes with the brilliantly titled ‘The Lingering Death of a Maverick King’. This song has a dark, mysterious opening with the scattered drums adding doses of intrigue.

It’s an emotional record but full of life and energy… Prepare to be lifted by Lifter.

Lifter tour dates

Friday October 25th @ The Finsbury, London
Saturday October 26th @ Dubrek, Derby
Wednesday October 30th @ Suburbia, Southampton
Thursday October 31st @ Common Ground, Oxford
Friday November 1st @ Grayston Unity, Halifax