On the Turning Ground

Hovering between the considered dedication of a long-player and the dopamine hit of a single, crafting a succinct and satisfying EP (maybe 4-5 songs, clocking in between 15-25 minutes give or take) is a now fallow art. But it’s a musical form that Bristol’s Tara Clerkin Trio has shown a knack for, from 2021’s In Spring to 2023’s On the Turning Ground. The five pieces here range from hushed indie vocals to dreamlike instrumentals. Each song feels unhurried and spacious, thanks to dubbed-out drums, processed guitars, gurgled electronic touches, and well-placed piano runs. It suggests a space where the Raincoats might have joined forces with 4AD.