Walkers previous Laughing Outlaw releases mercilessly plundered the past. Ceiling Sun Letters is different. Its a reflection in a cracked mirror in a dark room, a hazy powerful rock album that recalls the New York Dolls, Grandaddy, Lou Reed, Wilco, the Triffids, Loose Fur and the White Album. From the all-in intro of the storming opener You Will Be Ashes, through the delicate mandolin splashes on Advice to Beginners, the psychic folk thunderstorm of Free to Go or the frustrating waltz-time rocker Fight This which spirals through a maddening key change and uses the little-known marxophone to unusual effect. Walkers change of direction was aided by the two people who are ultimately responsible for how this album sounds, Brian Crouch and Michael Carpenter. Crouch, who has played with Walker for more than ten years, produced and entirely played the albums stunning centrepiece Time Poor. From the delicate piano to the strings which are in fact layers of guitars played pizzicato with the edge of a coin, the song builds to timpani-led crescendo that vanishes into the warm crackle of vinyl noise from Crouchs old stereo. The auteur theory is a popular one with your average deluded songwriter but Im a firm believer in giving the credit where its due. Brian turned this album into a work of art. Hes a hell of a producer and I hope he starts getting some work because of this record. Producer Michael Carpenter was equally responsible for making the album as wildly eclectic and different as it is. Hes really got a gift for direction in the studio, says Walker. I had to turn this album over to him because I was not in a fit state to direct the action myself. I had ideas overflowing at different times but then I would dry up out of fear and I was bloody grateful to Mick and Brian for transforming it and bringing it to its conclusion. Its no oversimplification to say it belongs to them as well. With the imminent release of Ceiling Sun Letters, Walker is on his heels once more. I have no idea what this album is going to do for me or anyone. But its like the bastard son I kept in a box for 19 years. Its out and enjoying the sun on its face.