‘Ness’, the new album by Hayden Thorpe (former front man of Wild Beasts) is a very unique record in many ways. At its core are words taken from English poet and writer Robert Macfarlane’s book of the same name. Robert’s book is a modern piece of poetry / prose; partly apocalyptic, partly a celebration of nature, it’s set in Suffolk’s Orford Ness - the now National Trust owned site, a very curious and unique place steeped in rich wartime history and nature. The site was originally a war / nuclear test site by the British Ministry of Defence which was kept out of the public eye until its decommissioning. Since then, it has been re-wilded and repurposed as a nature reserve by the National Trust. Hayden’s album uses Robert’s words as the foundation - his lyrics are lifted directly from the book, in chronological order, front to back - it’s Hayden’s interpretation of Robert’s prose, bringing them to life with his music alongside a number of talented musicians. Robert’s book is also a collaboration with Stanley Donwood, English artist and illustrator, who provided the visuals for it.