Review: Owen Pallett – Heartland

January 24, 2010 in Album Reviews

Owen Pallett is known for his incredible orchestral arrangements, and his notable work with numerous artists such as Arcade Fire, Grizzly Bear, Beirut and Pet Shop Boys. In order to avoid confusion with the immensely popular video game Final Fantasy, Owen Pallett has dropped his pseudonym for the release of his new concept album. Through Heartland, Owen has grown, discovered and experimented as a composer, and as a result his latest work is on a much grander scale than his previous work.

Compared to previous Final Fantasy albums, there is a lot more variety and depth in the arrangements. In the past, Owen would play all of the violin parts by himself, by looping and repeating on a pedal. On Heartland, Owen changes his backing band slightly, and adds a few extras here and there. Just some small time musicians like Arcade Fire’s Jeremy Gara on drums and the Czech Symphony Orchestra(!!). With the dozens of added instruments on Heartland, the possibilities and options were endless for Owen and he took full advantage. Heartland ranges in intensity, style and emotion. “Red Sun No. 5”, “Oh Heartland, Up Yours!” and “E is for Estranged” are sad, romantic and quieter songs, more minimal in nature. “Midnight Directives”, “Keep the Dog Quiet” and “The Great Elsewhere” seem as though they have been taken straight out of a video game score, with their hints of electronic synths under the strong orchestrations. “Lewis Takes Action” is the most diverse song, opening with drumming similar to that of The Jesus and Mary Chain’s “Just like Honey”, followed by dissonant staccato bursts and finally the baroque-style strings and horns. The album is difficult to classify or compare, because the influences range from pop, experimental, classical and baroque to electronica.

In recent history, concept albums as a whole have somewhat been disappointing, whether it be their over-the-top instrument scores or the ridiculous, inaccessible lyrics. Being Owen’s second ‘concept album’, he has mastered the balance between a continuing narrative story and equally masterful instrumentation without being too excessive. It tells the story of a farmer-turned-warrior, Lewis, who comes from the distant, fictional planet Spectrum (which was first brought up on Pallett’s Spectrum, 14th Century and Plays to Please EPs). He and his God-like creator Owen have a problematic relationship, as well as a rough relationship with himself as a healthy and sane being. Heartland’s emotions are both delicate and powerful. Owen has poured his heart out onto this album and I can say without a doubt that it is his best work to date.

Key Tracks: Lewis Takes Action, Flare Gun