When guitarist Michael Aryn and vocalist Katrina Whitney came together as Palodine, each had done time with a number of bands across a broad variety of styles, including experimental and straightforward takes on gothic, folk, country and shoegaze. Like twin children of different mothers, Aryn and Whitney seemed to take similar inspirations from each experience, making their meeting and musical single-mindedness almost pre-destined. With help from multi-instrumentalist Jason Brooks, Palodine makes introspective but wildly intense roots music, a shambling soundscape that draws in turns on the swirling buzz of psychedelic folk, the dark storytelling ethic of country and the sonic density and emotional frenzy of shoegaze. Depending on which style Aryn and Whitney allow to bubble to the surface within each song on their debut album, Desolate Son, the pair fashion a shifting sound that suggests a boozy, bluesy summit between the atmospheric haze of Mazzy Star and the dusty moan of 16 Horsepower. Other than the joy of creation, there is little light on the aptly named Desolate Son, as Aryn and Whitney don’t attempt to illuminate the darkness but merely report on its quality with passionate resolve. Palodine’s water is a little chilly, but ultimately fine...come on in.
~ Brian Baker
