Tim Hart - Milling WithThe Wind

Tim Hart may be Boy & Bear’s drummer yet his solo debut sees him negotiate life and love via nylon strings. Single, ‘A Number Of Us’ is the obvious drawcard; a nostalgic ballad that sees Hart doff his cap to the honest, singer-songwriters mentioned in the albums notes: Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Crosby, Stills and Nash. Hart’s sound plays out like a pared back version of his actual band. It can also get rather repetitive and even safe or vanilla, as there are only subtle differences between the single and the album tracks.

Milling With The Wind is a personal record that sees Hart pour his heart out into this labour of love. It’s full of brotherly cameos (ex-Middle East member Mark Myers produced, while Boy & Bear bandmate David Hosking lends some backing vocals) and pleasant-enough indie folk delivered in hushed tones. But while it’s all very nice and relatable, and will surely please Boy & Bear’s ever-growing legion of fans, you’re ultimately left wanting something a little more than fifty shades of beige.

5/10 stars