Lay Fallow
Self-Released, 2026
9/10
The indie-folk duo of Ben Pichler and Cambria Haen, as Flutes & Low the Duluth, Minnesota pair welcome some friends for the 11 thoughtful tracks.
The warm acoustic guitar of “Sifting” starts the listen and immediately draws us into the beauty and harmony vocals, and “Long Winter” follows with Alexander Young’s soft drums and Calvin Caron’s well timed bass that suits the sublime intimacy.
Landing in the middle, “To Glass” enlists Cole Pecor’s moody electric guitar amid the strong attention to ambience, while “Requiem In B Minor” moves with a frisky pace and enlists Jasmine Holt’s meticulous violin via the mesmerizing delivery.
“Freyr Cries” arrives late and places Inga Aleckson Weis on vocals for the poetic and stirring album highlight, and “A Vespera” exits with Benjamin Pichler’s rich keyboards adding much grace to the powerful finish.
An outfit inspired by the expanse of the midwest, Flutes & Low blend elegance and emotion into a gripping, modern folk affair.
Travels well with: Turn Turn Turn- All Hat No Cattle; The Long Honeymoon- The World Is Waiting