Bonfire-scented autumn days.

"These are haunted days
Sad and golden, underplayed"


While often sounding sad, yet very much golden and without a doubt underplayed, songwriter Robert Wratten is one that lacks no talent. His poetical and melancholic lyrics have always been an inspiration to listeners and musicians alike. Once fronting Sarah Records most prolific band The Field Mice, forming Northern Picture Library and eventually ending up doing much of his creations under the Trembling Blue Stars moniker. Free of form and as easily picking up an acoustic guitar as sliding into yawning shoegaze, ambient landscapes or even more electric instrumentation Wratten’s sense of melody and heartfelt vocals has been a key feature in his work.

Trembling Blue Stars was formed in 1995 and also features Beth Arzy, once vocalist for Los Angeles outfit Aberdeen, and bassist Keris Howard of legendary bands Brighter and Harper Lee.
Annemari Davies of The Field Mice and Northern Picture Library has been a collaborator in early years. Davies and Wratten dated during their The Field Mice days and their relationship has been a major topic in Wratten’s lyrics. Her stage-fright prevented his groups to perform live with the same set of people as the recorded work.

Over the years recordings were released on various record labels including Sub Pop, but their most steady home has been proven to be the tiny Spanish label Elefant Records, who put out a handful of exclusive EPs and their last 3 albums.

Wratten is currently recording the 7th Trembling Blue Stars album with co-producer / engineer Ian Catt and the line-up of Arzy, Howard and drummer Jonathan Akerman. Putting all of his efforts in the work that he creates, yet taking his time almost as being unaware of his cult following. Leaving his audience awaiting, not knowing when it will be finished or released.

The group hasn’t performed live for more than 4 years and when I was inquiring about their current status Wratten stated that they have no intention of doing shows again, yet ended his comment with “Who knows?”

I have never found so much hope in a mere sentence of two words.