Stepping away from the punk, noise and no-wave experimentalism that often surrounds both Sonic Youth and Thurston Moore’s solo work, ‘Demolished Thoughts’ will catch most off-guard.

A continuation of sorts on from his last album ‘Trees Outside The Academy’ (2007), ‘Demolished Thoughts’ is Thurston Moore’s fourth solo album and his first to be produced by Beck; this influence might explain the lighter touch found on this record with the production and arrangements reminiscent to those employed on Beck’s own album, ‘Sea Change’ (2002).

‘Demolished Thoughts’ is a stripped-down affair, with only guitar, harp, violin and light percussion for accompaniment to Thurston’s vocals.

Recorded in both Los Angeles and Northampton, MA, the pair were joined in the studio by violinist Samara Lubelski (of prior Moore recordings and touring) and harpist Mary Lattimore (most recently heard on Kurt Vile’s ‘Smoke Ring For My Halo’), alongside Beck’s bassist Bram Inscore and drummer Joey Waronker (also of R.E.M., Elliott Smith and Smashing Pumpkins records).

Inviting the listener in to his more secretive and personal side, ‘Demolished Thoughts’ is a brooding and beautifully restrained album.

Supposedly recorded with new technologies amid strange occurrences, the album was completed over nine curious days spent with Beck.

The results are a more direct than many will have expected from Thurston Moore, these songs are as sweet, heartfelt and consuming.

Available on double vinyl (initial pressings on blue vinyl).