Heartland

There’s always a sense of anxiety listening to a new release from an artist you admire. Part excitement, part fear, but all ears was how I went into Final Fantasy’s (who recently changed back to just Owen Pallett’s) album Heartland. But any concerns I had immediately melted away as soon as opener “Midnight Directives” began.

Heartland is a concept album about a farmer named Lewis and the world of Spectrum he lives in. For an album with such a particular narrative carved out, each song transitions to the next flawlessly just like a plotline of a movie.

Pallett’s brilliant sense of instrumentation and shines through on Heartland more than any of his previous releases, from the thumping march of “Lewis Takes Action” to the more somber mood of “E Is For Estranged”. Stand out track “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt” exhibits Pallett’s ability to perfectly layer full orchestral grandeur with woodwind instruments to come out with a modern classic.

From beginning to end, Heartland is a meticulously put-together piece of art, one of Owen Pallett’s finest to date. I know it’s only half a month into the new year but I’m going to just come out and say that Heartland is hands-down, one of the best albums of 2010.

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/owenpallettmusic

Interview With AUX.TV: http://www.aux.tv/newmusic/interviews/interview-owen-palletts-heartland/