Dear Lincoln / Port-Ainé

Kiran Leonard was no more than eighteen when this double A-side 7" was released in 2013. It was his first commercially-issued recording, but had been preceded by other, self-released material. An album, Bowler Hat Soup, followed soon after, with both these songs included. Both records came out on Mary Epworth's (sister of famed producer Paul) "Hand of Glory" label.

I gather there were 300 copies of the single pressed, of which 50, including mine, have picture sleeves. In all likelihood, I would have obtained it from Piccadilly Records in Manchester. Marc Riley had been playing both tracks on his 6 Music radio show, oftener 'Port-Ainé'. After a few listens I was intrigued enough to order a physical copy.

'Dear Lincoln' begins in abrupt & staccato fashion, going on to pack a surprising amount into its 112-second duration. 'Port-Ainé' is slower & moodier at the outset, before building to an impressive climax. Leonard's later releases have been "proggier", with longer, more ambitious and more complex songs less to my taste than the pair on this excellent musical calling-card.

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This is a Recording

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