“Appendix I” brings together three Warrington-Runcorn New Town Development Plan EPs on to CD for the first time. Comprising “Building A New Town”, “A Shared Sense Of Purpose” and “Overspill Estates”, this CD brings together some of the more esoteric elements of Chapman-Fox’s world of Musical New Town Planning.
2023’s “Building A New Town” EP moved the reference point of Warrington-Runcorn back from the synth-drenched late 70s to the more post-psychedelic, folk infused world of Mike Oldfield and Pentangle. It’s incredibly exciting, clever and knowing and the vinyl sold out within a week. The four tracks on offer here are more guitar led, but retain Gordon’s mix of optimism and sinister atmosphere.
“A Shared Sense Of Purpose” was the lead single from the “Your Community Hub” album, originally released in both 7” and 12” vinyl versions. This CD takes the single edit from the 7”, and adds the bonus tracks from the 12” – including a remix from the legendary Vince Clarke, and another guitar-led folk remix of the title track, which again demonstrates Gordon’s ability to take the WRNTDP project in any direction with boundless invention and energy. The whole thing is just bursting with carefully considered precision. It’s some of his finestwork here.
“Overspill Estates” takes four songs taken from the sessions for “Your Community Hub” that didn’t make it onto the album. The tracks here were an integral part of the record until a late surge of creativity brought forth some new tracks which displaced them. Gordon’s a seeker. A bit of a mathematician, tooling everything with a fine attention to detail until it’s the best that it can be. These are not offcuts, but tracks that he parked somewhere in a lay by on the A56. Toot your horn as you pass them.
This compilation showcases some of Gordon’s extra curricular genius as he lets the WRNTDP project fire off in different, unexpected and exciting directions. What a joy it is.