Towards the Sun

Released in 2009, Towards the Sun serves as a bridge between Alexi Murdoch's breakthrough debut and his later, even more reclusive period. Recorded in a single night in Vancouver while on tour, the album captures a raw, spontaneous energy that belies its quiet nature. Unlike the more polished production of Time Without Consequence, this record embraces a 'live-in-room' feel, with minimal overdubs and a focus on the interplay between Murdoch's baritone and his rhythmic fingerpicking. The album is notable for its inclusion in the soundtrack to the film 'Away We Go', which helped cement Murdoch's reputation as a go-to artist for cinematic, emotionally resonant folk. Critics, including those at AllMusic, have noted the album's debt to Nick Drake's Pink Moon, though Murdoch brings a more grounded, less fragile perspective to the style. The eight-minute closer 'Crinan Wood' is often cited as the album's centerpiece, showcasing his ability to build immense emotional tension through repetition and subtle dynamic shifts.