Grant Olsen, who you may know as one half of Arthur & Yu, has branched out on his own to craft a collection of songs that will touch hearts with its tenderness and warmth – ‘The Ornament’.

However, it was no easy process getting to this point, taking almost four years after scrapping the first sessions due to the theft of his laptop. Many personal activities have also contributed in their own ways, including, marriage, travelling and the death of a close friend – all leading to a change in approach for Grant, stepping back and letting everything flow.

Its nine tracks are a testimony to his songwriting talents. He’s helped along by Jason Quever (Paper Cuts) and with backing vocals provided by the lovely Amy Blaschke, helping to elevate further the feeling of intimacy between them and the listener – with ‘Hanging Window’, ‘Cruel and Kind’ and ‘Futures’ being particular highlights.

‘The Ornament’ is full of Olsen’s rich, wistful croon making, at times, as beautiful as it is, the music a mere formality. It takes you on a journey to the sounds of the 1960s. Picture Grant sat on the porch, guitar and drink in hand, listening to an old transistor radio.

Every track here is coated with reverb, the percussion drives the songs with a retro, big-ballad vibe and the set is fuelled with an honesty that comes from the heart.

Having used a fresh, relaxed approach to this record was perhaps the best decision Grant may ever make. It seems some of the trials and tribulations experienced in getting here were worth their wait in gold.

-Gavin Bevan-