These tracks are wondrous, brittle things, ready to fall apart when you stop believing in them, and perfectly straddle the line between feeling unfinished and feeling never-ending, combing the ambiguity of night with the confidence of day.
The 14-track record traverses a winding road of insomnia, wandering dreams, sombre days and lustful nights.
At 14 tracks long, In Praise of Shadows feels very much like a clear statement of intent from Allen, and we’re left salivating at the thought of what’s going to come next.
At a time where many encumber sleepless nights and intense self-reflection, Puma Blue’s debut may well provide a brief moment of relief for those lost in the darkness.
A lot of Puma Blue’s music may have been born out of insomnia, but 'In Praise of Shadows' is ready-made to soothe your mind and sing you to sleep.
With In Praise of Shadows, Puma Blue has crafted a deliberate slow burn of a debut album you'll enjoy taking your time with.
Allen’s songwriting is the sole thing that needs to be focused on; the impressiveness comes from the variety of sounds and the subtle details.
A mood piece as much as it is an album, this dimly-lit debut feels purpose-built to soundtrack the long, dark nights stretching ahead of us.
‘In Praise of Shadows’, his debut album, is pretty much the musical equivalent of Night Nurse (other sleep aids are available), but in the best way possible, filled with tracks tailor-made for nights under the duvet.
Best heard buried under a quilt with hot tea in hand, surrounded by candles with the lights low.