Shadowlands
Libellule, 2023
8/10
The Grammy nominated trumpet wizard John Raymond and Bon Iver sideman S. Carey come together for this collaborative listen that finds a very mature and unpredictable place to reside in the area of indie-rock.
“Morning Prayer” gets the listen off to an atmospheric start, where soft trumpet and glowing synth emit a stirring beauty, and “Calling” follows with mesmerizing keys and soulful brass that welcomes Gordi’s eloquent, gentle singing.
“Chrysalis” lands in the middle and uses bass guitar strategically amid the agile drumming from Carey for the more rock focused landscape, while “Hollow” places Aaron Parks on piano amid the dreamy brass from Raymond that flows with a gorgeous intimacy.
“New Meaning” and “Beholding” exit the listen, where the former is bit more thick, rock spirited even, thanks to Dave Devine’s guitar and lush textures, and the latter finishes with a cinematic haze that builds into an exploratory jazz climate of adventurousness and warmth.
In addition to those listed above, Ben Lester plays pedal steel and Chris Thompson handles woodwinds, and it makes for a blur of indie-folk, creative jazz, dense pop and mood heavy electronica that’s as innovative as it is memorable.
Travels well with: The Nels Cline Singers- Share The Wealth; Dave McMurray- Grateful Dedication