Cells Remain
Birdwatcher, 2020
8/10
A Wisconsin native now residing in Minneapolis, the multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Pat Keen packs folks and jazz influences in his rich, poetic song craft on this 3rd album.
Keen starts the listen on the lighter side of indie-rock with the soft and soothing “Cell Song”, as intricate guitar work flows with seeming ease and delicate backing female are in attendance, and “Lost And Found” continues the elegant landscape with some folk influences amid synth ambience for the balladesque mood.
Near the middle, “Torch” displays lush instrumentation with plenty of rhythm in the quicker pace, while “Settler” recruits a dreamy quality alongside smooth clarinet that punctuates the delicate finger picking. “Fishbowl”, one of the album’s best, then uses strategic percussion lightly but much impact on the agile and minimal execution.
Deeper into the listen, “All Along” is a playful yet gentle moment with much beauty, and “Hot Face” exits the listen with a slow burning peek into Keen’s meticulous attention to detail where jazz nods enter the formula.
Keen puts a unique spin on modern indie-folk here, where sampling, banjo, mellotron, and a bodhran are also present, and it helps make Cells Remain a very digestible listen that warrants repeated listens.
Travels well with: Buck Meek- Buck Meek; Jessica Pratt- Quiet Signs