Shadowland

Lately I've been immersing myself in the genres of drone, psychedelic, trance, and ambient rock.  At the forefront within this blend of genres, for me, is Barn Owl as they have indeed been keeping me in awe. Yesterday, from Thrill Jockey, I received an early copy of their new Shadowland EP, due Summer Solstice - June 21st.

Shadowland's cover art complements its music quite beautifully.  Evan Caminiti's painting depicts a marbled grey and white orb shrouded in a mesh of cottony purple clouds - perhaps the moon enveloped by the shadows within our earth's night sky...or perhaps another world somewhere in the depths of the universe, unknown to us save for its soundtrack which we are about to observe. The vinyl disc is a wonderful clear/white swirl, which adds to the mystique of the record's artwork.  This is one of those records that begs the listener to prop up the sleeve for viewing while it spins on the turntable.  So what do we hear?  Shadowland finds Barn Owl in a darker, much more mysterious place than perhaps they were when writing Ancestral Star.  Shadowland focuses its drone and repetitive elements in a way that creates a paradox of a world - one that is equally as warming and inviting as it is cryptic and eerie.  It has an amazing transporting quality to it; we find ourselves somewhere we never dreamed could exist, but that is also somehow a familiar place of our past...something from long ago that we only somewhat primordially understand.  Synths chime, sweep, and float through layers of guitars and piano whilst an indeterminate buzz collects at the bottom.  There is a duality of tones at work - some elevated, shimmering, and airy, others screeching, droning, and grounded.  The title track features a fluttering, wavering pitch warble that will catch you at just the right moments.  Yes this record is quite agreeably palatable and savory to the ears and soul.

All that said, I am a bit disappointed in the pressing quality.  I've cleaned the record and my stylus a number of times but still hear several pops and cracks throughout playback.  Also, some imperfections on the edge of the disc can be easily found.  Luckily Thrill Jockey has a habit of providing free digital downloads along with their vinyl.  Barn Owl also have a full length album due on September 13th, called Lost In The Glare...I can't wait.