The third album by Owen Pallett is also the first one displaying his real name instead of the Final Fantasy pseudonym, and even if that change was due to legal circumstances, it's also tempting to see it as a sign that this would be his most personal work yet. And considering its apparent bigger ambition, I guess we can confirm that theory, as it becomes obvious that Owen has probably given more of himself in here than ever before. With an amusing concept behind, Heartland describes the relationship between Lewis, "an ultra-violent young farmer" that lives in an imaginary land called "Spectrum", and Owen, the creator of that world. Musically, this record is a sublimation of what happened in He Poos Clouds, using the same ingredients but this time with a more immediate impact. Managing to build a new world somewhere between pop, contemporary orchestral music and electronics, everything is put together with an intricate production that includes gorgeous arrangements, over-the-top strings, subtle electronic appointments and enchanting melodies. Basically, Heartland serves as a huge dive into Owen's world, a special place that is extremely overwhelming. And in there, we can be taken aback by the extravagant and the flamboyant, as well as the more intimate. (8/10)
Owen Pallett - Lewis Takes Off His Shirt (mp3 via herohill.com)
www.owenpalletteternal.com
www.myspace.com/owenpallettmusic
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