Bloodless
Orindal, 2021
9/10
A musician and writer who pens powerful songs in often bare settings, Claire Cronin plays guitar and sings on this often eerie record, where Ezra Buchla’s contributions on viola, synth, baritone guitar, drums and vocals won’t go unnoticed, nor will John Dieterich (Deerhoof) or Owen Ashworth’s presence on a couple of tracks.
The title track starts the listen with a calm, mysterious mood, as gentle guitar, Cronin’s inviting pipes and viola and synth make for a dark, absorbing version of folk sounds, and “Through The Walls” follows with baritone guitar adding some buzzing energy to a more gritty landscape of ominous beauty.
Approaching the middle, “Snakes For Angels” gets dreamy with Cronin’s guitar and Buchla’s viola interacting with much atmosphere alongside poetic singing, while “No Forcefield” radiates a more upbeat demeanor of playful guitar and emotive synth. “To Ferry Across” then pairs gorgeous strumming with Cronin’s inimitable singing to showcase the charming minimalism.
“Not A Noise” and “Now I Don’t Leave” exit the listen, where the former emits much ambience amid a more forceful execution, and the latter is stripped back with Cronin’s intimate and stirring vision forging a very unique type of Americana.
Recorded during the wildfires that plagued Northern California, Cronin and Buchla were often unable to leave their house due to the toxic air, which often gave the recording sessions a hallucinatory effect. Perhaps a suiting backdrop to the metaphysical leanings of her art, the spiritual, hypnotic and haunting song craft here is nothing short of captivating.
Travels well with: Skylar Gudasz- Cinema; Jason Molina- Eight Gates