Sebastian Rochford's latest album, Finding Ways, follows 2023's A Short Diary in addressing the death of his father, poet Gerard Rochford, in 2019. The album features seven electric guitarists, including Tara Cunningham, Adrian Utley and Simon Tong, blending improv, reggae and romantic pop.
The opener, Maybe, begins with a slashing rhythm-guitar riff that turns into splintery atonal improv. Being Outside reflects Rochford's early rock-punk teenage years, while David Preston's guitar work on Who's Your Person?, Community and What You Hold in Your Heart are highlights.
Rochford's signature alchemic touch remains, subtly transformed by rich textures and his unpredictable rhythmic ambiguities. The album is a sharp contrast to its predecessor, showcasing the diversity of Rochford's experiences over the past quarter-century.
