mike kershaw - this long night

Mike Kershaw

This Long NIght
self-released; 2013

3.6 out of 5

By Kristen Fisher

Mike Kershaw is out of Wakefield, UK. You’ve never come across someone that has such an engaging mind as his especially knowing that he suppressed himself musically for 22 years. To describe Kershaw as blossoming wouldn’t quite cut it; it is more of an explosion. Since then Kershaw has released four albums before his recently titled nine-song album This Long Night.

 The album opens with "Miracles" where dreamy synths intersect as Kershaw speaks as if he is talking to a little child who is about to fall asleep. His voice is slightly detuned which creates a ominous vibe. "Into The Sun" is a solid song  where Kershaw  sings and doesnt talk. The song revolves a catchy acoustic guitar riff that displays some of Kershaw's technical ability as her harmonizes multiple vocal lines.

The first song that really struck me was “A Kind of Hell,” which has a foreboding gentle touch, until Kershaw comes in and says that he’s not listening, not listening to you anymore. He seems to be discussing pain in motion and how any silence can come from a kind of hell. The 12 minute song has some of the best music on the album as it mutates and seamlessly transitions between different sounds and textures. Spacious synths give way to bongos which blend with a bass and synth before the whole atmosphere changes again when the distorted guitars are introduced.

Even throughout “Words of Love” I sense a psychic TV presence. Whether it was intentional or not, I congratulate Kershaw on that accomplishment alone. 

Oddly enough, it seems to me that Kershaw allows his mind to open to interpretation. No matter where the musical direction leads him, he doesn’t argue with the thoughts that come about. He is an ever changing and ever-evolving musician.  The reaction to This Long Night will be different from person to person. It is a thought-provoking album so take the plunge.

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