Pondering on Steven Wilson's success and wondering why it's not yours? Not a thought that's crossed Tim Bowness' mind, as he finds solace expressing enforced solitude in Late Night Laments.
Tim Bowness, a self-professed news junkie and a veteran of the music industry, has released his latest solo album, Late Night Laments. The album, which was completed the day lockdown was announced, is a poignant reflection of Bowness's personal experiences and artistic influences.
Born into a family marred by tragedy, Bowness's mother was killed in a car crash when he was just 15, and his grandmother passed away shortly after his mother and another family member ended up in a care home due to nervous breakdowns. These early life events left an indelible mark on Bowness, shaping his perspective and fueling his passion for music.
"Making music wasn't just what I wanted to doβit was all I wanted to do," Bowness recalls. His post-NHS musical career has been a slow-burner, traversing a variety of 80s bands before finding his musical soulmate in No-Man's Wilson. Their shared obsession is evident in their music podcast, The Album Years.
The creation of Late Night Laments was a nocturnal affair, with most of the album recorded late at night or early in the morning. The opening track, Northern Rain, is an elegiac, bittersweet portrait of an elderly couple grappling with dementia, inspired by Bowness's father's situation.
The album's themes are not solely autobiographical. The Last Getaway was inspired by the tragic story of cartoonist and author Harry Horse, who took his life and his terminally ill wife's in 2007. The album's title, Late Night Laments, and its stark, intricate soundscapes are reminiscent of the spy novels of John le CarrΓ©.
Peter Hammill's apocalyptic 1977 break-up album Over served as a touchstone for Bowness. The two musicians, who live in neighbouring villages near Bath, have become friends and occasional collaborators.
Bowness's musical journey began with The Beatles and John Barry, leading him to 10cc and Sparks, and onto Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Roxy Music, Kate Bush, Talking Heads, Van der Graaf Generator, and Peter Hammill. This diverse musical upbringing has undoubtedly influenced the eclectic sound of Late Night Laments.
Despite his successful career, Bowness's personal life has not been without its challenges. His father has severe Parkinson's disease, and his stepmother has dementia. Bowness briefly worked for the civil service and spent a couple of years working in NHS care homes, tending to elderly people who were considered too infirm for other homes.
Late Night Laments is Tim Bowness's sixth solo album, and his fifth since 2014. It is a testament to his resilience, his artistic vision, and his ability to transform personal hardships into powerful, moving music.
