A joyous, tremulously beautiful, restorative new LP by New Mexico’s Zach Condon, the title after old wooden church on the Norwegian island of Hadseløya from which he recovered his physical and mental health after pre-Covid career-threatening throat problems. As well as Condon’s sensitive, distinctive high voice, thankfully back to his best, the other star of this release is the church organ itself, a cornerstone of the warm sound here, many alongside gentle accompanying beats and some acoustic instruments. The entire album feels like a fresh air cleanse for body and soul, with highlights the staccato organ title track opener bringing in his voice alongside some triumphant trumpet, the exquisite guitar-based So Many Plans, the mult-layered vocals of Arctic Forest, the delicious percussion of Island Life, and closer Regulatory. After previous albums made in other locations such as a log cabin in update New York, or the Italian town of Gallipolil, this whole gorgeous album, one of his best yet, is a release of transportive optimism, health, hope and joy. Out on Pompeii Records and Beirutband.com
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