I'm in love. I just got a great package of CDs from the site I write for, and of these I have particularly fallen in love with Owen Pallett - formerly known as Final Fantasy - and his new record, Heartland.
The album itself is fucking brilliant - twelve breathtaking songs of incredible songwriting. The second last track in particular, Tryst With Mephistopheles, has quickly become my favourite song he has ever written. It's insanely joyous in its arrangement - particularly the chorus melody that just seems to escalate higher and higher. The drums keep things upbeat, the bass is surprisingly warm and the orchestration is pure bliss. It's hard to describe this one - it's a very strange story, lyrically, of love, faith, religion and self-reference (the character in the song is, fittingly enough, named Owen). It takes a few listens for this particular track to be truly appreciated - I feel that the same thing can be said about the entire record. However, much like the rest of Heartland, this track will eventually worm its way into your head until you just can't help but love it. Recommended for fans of Arcade Fire, Andrew Bird, Joanna Newsom and other acts that make incredible alternative music without prominent use of guitar.
FINAL RATING (/10): 9.5
Heartland, so far the best album of 2010, is out now!
x
David
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