Back yet again with even more output, Carl Green maintains a reputation for being one of the most focused and vibrant artists in the region.  The second release of 2025, Trainee Clairvoyant EP is a four song approach into new ground for Green – keeping the slightly distant, Lynch-esque, mix of strangeness and unknowing trademarks of his work– but mixing it in now with a slightly alien, remote, minimal sound.  In a galaxy not too far away from Arctic Monkeys ‘Tranquillity Base Hotel and Casino’, the general atmosphere of Trainee Clairvoyant is one of piano and light electronic minimalism, the author becoming detached in a self-made prison with time to reflect and observe – rather than influence and agitate.

Taken, mostly noticeably, on “Becoming a Recluse” Green’s work here is one of stepping out further than ever – retaining all of the pop hooks and ear worms that he’s become known for – but physically and sonically being a greater distance away from society and social norms.  He both wants to, and is, becoming a recluse – with such a step allowing the insightful and witty comments made across the Ep – particularly “Don’t leave your wife” and “You’re no Nerertiti, Sweetie”.

Still retaining his love for late 70s art rock, Trainee Clairvoyant moves us from the obvious, glam and colourful world of the hit-singles of his beloved Roxy Music into the rather understated, but just as important, work of say “If there is something” – there’s sadness in the distance he’s creating from others but it’s a known and self-imposed sadness, and the sadness gives us important things to say.

At the heart of the distance though remains Green’s ability to create, and produce, wonderful soundscapes on which to build his lyrical insight.  Verses and choruses are tight and well-conceived; a knowing combination of high and low art deployed in the right amounts, at the right time.  Final track “Stoop to Conquer” may be the highlight of the EP, it’s sound being fresh and lavish and yet still finding space to allow Green to make comments about patterns and trends of everyday life – nothing too obvious, yet nothing too abstract.  Becoming a recluse doesn’t sound too healthy in the long term, but in the short term it’s managed to produce yet another fine collection of original songs and original ideas.