The Climbers are perhaps one of the most anticipated ensembles to emerge from the Willkommen Collective, and this album is most certainly one of the most long-awaited.

The core line-up features some of the most familiar faces of the Willkommen Collective – Nick and Christian from The Leisure Society, along with Christian’s childhood friend Tim, and of course various members of Sons Of Noel & Adrian, Shoreline, Absentee and Sharon Lewis. The Climbers’ existence was announced back in September of last year, but their gestation period extends far beyond that, with the project having been in the making for around six years.

Before listening, I secretly hoped The Good Ship would be a complete departure from anything Willkommen-related, maybe a concept album based on an obscure poem, or played on entirely home-made instruments, or everything sung in French. Having heard it, I can safely say that it’s not, thank god. It’s an album that was clearly made with lots of love and fond memories, but still manages to have it’s own identity.

There’s a sweet and sour effect across The Good Ship creating an unsettling, intriguing journey. ‘I Will Never’ is a beautifully innocent heartbreaking love song, with gently strummed banjo and guitar, and album closer ‘If There’s Anyone’ instigates a collective “aaah”, a gentle, friendly farewell as opposed to a big bang finale. But there’s also a darker, different thread running through the album. Heavy, off-beat piano chords blend with brass riffs, taut violins, and chorus vocals. There’s an Eastern European folk sound, with much foot-stomping, stressing the down-beat, and high emotion. There are snippets of it across the album, and the title track has it in spades, with its very own reprise later on in ‘The Fellowship’.

Despite this seemingly jarring fusion of sounds, the album hangs together wonderfully with a sense of high emotion and depth. Yes, it is a collection of songs lovingly crafted and recorded in happy circumstances, but the songs depict a sometimes desperately sad story. ‘In A Circle’ has trembling, yearning strings, straining guitars and a sense of the end of something wonderful. ‘Something Good (This Way Comes)’ certainly has a positive title, but again opts for a minor key, and a wistful, weary sound.

The Good Ship sweeps, soars and dives, delicately tip-toes, weeps and rejoices. It delves into the darker side of emotions, but tackling them head, almost embracing them, rather than crying in the corner with the lights off.

This is a hugely accomplished album from a bunch of very talented guys and gals. The familiar sounds of the much-loved Willkommen Collective are there, but come through the other side sounding very different. God Bless The Good Ship, and all who sail in her.