Cairn is a memorable new album from Chris Pellnat, a singer/songwriter based in Hudson, New York. The eclectic production drives a consistently riveting listening experience, impressing from the gripping folk-forward expansion of “Maddening Muse” to the experimental electronic infusions on the darkly invigorating “Forest Giants,” showing a soundscape fit for mischievous ghosts. Pellnat is also known for his work as half the duo Teeniest and guitarist in Poughkeepsie-based rock band The Warp/The Weft.
“Ship on the Horizon” crafts an atmospheric intrigue throughout, aptly feeling like a foreboding sea shanty in its title-referencing hopefulness amidst climactic dulcimer and accordion infusions. “I know you want to jump in every puddle of water,” the vocals let out during a soaring, melodic rise, lending a sense of embracing spontaneity within the hope “for a ship on the horizon.” The subsequent “Wandering Squandering” embraces a twangier, rock-forward disposition — succeeding with its debonair mystique in the warming doses of guitar distortion and harmonious vocal lushness.
Another highlight, “Maddening Muse” evolves beautifully from minimalist folk charms into a gripping soundscape, propelled by upright bass, twinkling keys, and an exotic slithering. The “watching the world go by,” sequence compels especially with its suave melodic flair. “The Final Wager” concludes the album with a playful demeanor — aspiring to find “a passage through the rain,” — as frolicking acoustic guitars and swaying vocal amiability converge. Cairn shows an abundance of quality songwriting from Chris Pellnat.
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“Wandering Squandering” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
