Arid Landscapes
Signal Chain, 2025
9/10
The electro-acoustic duo of Dan Pitt and Noah Franche-Nolan, as Arid Landscapes the pair flesh out a stunning debut of texture, harmonics and sonically experimental ideas.
“Prelude” starts soft and melodic, where Pitt’s agile guitar is met with a light ambience, and “RTMK” follows with the mesmerizing keys and droning effects radiating mystery.
“Summerhill” and “Union” arrive in the middle. The former lands in intimate territory via the hypnotic guitar and warm mood, while the latter is a more playful moment of cinematic qualities.
Arriving near the end, “Blink II” glimmers with some post-rock dynamics that are rich in tone, and “The Optimist” exits with a strategic minimalism that’s reflective and impactful in its gentle waves.
Both Pitt and Franche-Nolan have training in jazz, which is evident, and the very skilled use of synth, audio processing, looping, keys, guitar and piano make for an often delicate experience unlike few others.
Travels well with: Valley Voice- Stars, Engines; Nick Storring- Mirante