OWEN PALLETT – Heartland

February 6, 2010 > Releases

Some stuff about Owen Pallett:

Canadian. Formerly known as Final Fantasy. Released two gorgeous albums under the FF guise. Has provided strings and orchestral arrangements for Arcade Fire, DFA1979, Stars, Beirut, Holy Fuck, even Pet Shop Boys and Mika (?!?!). Mainly plays the violin and piano.

So, Heartland is his third album and it’s another extraordinary affair.

It’s incredibly vast and ambitious, taking his neo-classical blueprint and moving in every direction he sees fit. The appearance of the Czech National Orchestra adds a depth to his sound previously unheard. It’s still playful, fun, even twee, but it has a seriousness and focus that takes it to another level. It’s beautiful and strange in equal measure, flitting between styles but never losing it’s pop sensibilities.

This will no doubt be in many peoples ‘end of year’ lists, quite a feat considering it’s early January release. It’s just lush.