Chris Murphy – Songs From The Trees

There is something refreshingly timeless about Chris Murphy’s Songs From The Trees. Rather than chasing modern trends, the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter embraces tradition, allowing folk, Americana, world music, and cinematic storytelling to intertwine into an EP that feels both deeply rooted and remarkably adventurous. Created in collaboration with acclaimed British folk musician Seth Lakeman, the seven-track collection is an immersive journey through landscapes of memory, loss, hope, and redemption, proving that authentic songwriting still carries extraordinary power.

Recorded inside a 16th-century monastery on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Songs From The Trees benefits enormously from its surroundings. The atmosphere seeps into every performance, giving the record an earthy, almost spiritual quality. Lakeman’s masterful contributions on fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and guitar provide the perfect counterbalance to Murphy’s heartfelt vocals and poetic lyricism, while engineer Josiah J. Manning delivers a warm, organic production that captures every subtle detail without sacrificing emotional intimacy. The title track, “Songs From The Trees,” opens the EP with a sense of quiet wonder, blending folk instrumentation with cinematic ambience that immediately establishes the project’s reflective mood. “Clean Break” introduces a stronger Americana pulse, balancing melancholy with resilience through memorable melodies and expressive performances. “Do You Ever Wonder?” continues the introspective journey, asking timeless questions through evocative storytelling that recalls the narrative traditions of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.

“Bitter Tea” is one of the EP’s emotional highlights, combining sparse arrangements with poignant lyricism that lingers long after the final note. The collaboration truly shines on “The End of Charlie Lee,” where Murphy and Seth Lakeman seamlessly merge American songwriting with British folk traditions, creating one of the collection’s richest musical moments. “300 Days At Sea” expands the sonic palette further with maritime influences, subtle world music rhythms, and a sense of restless adventure, while the closing track, “When She’s Around,” provides a beautifully understated finale, ending the EP with warmth, tenderness, and quiet optimism. Throughout the collection, Murphy’s ability to blend genres without losing focus is particularly impressive. Echoes of Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, and Peter Gabriel can certainly be heard, yet Songs From The Trees never feels like an exercise in imitation. Instead, it builds its own identity through emotionally honest songwriting, elegant musicianship, and an appreciation for musical traditions from both sides of the Atlantic. Every track feels carefully crafted while retaining the spontaneity that comes from musicians fully trusting one another in the studio. Songs From The Trees is more than a collection of songs; it’s an immersive listening experience that rewards patience and repeated plays. Chris Murphy and Seth Lakeman have created an EP that feels intimate yet expansive, ancient yet contemporary, and deeply personal while remaining universally relatable. For fans of thoughtful folk, cinematic Americana, and beautifully crafted storytelling, this is a release that deserves a place among the year’s finest independent recordings.

“Songs From The Trees reminds us that the strongest roots often produce the most far-reaching music, blending tradition and innovation into something quietly unforgettable.”