Is it too early to name an album the best of the year? Ok, I’ll slow down, but the new album from Pillars and Tongues is something special. Lay of Pilgrim Park was released last month by Empty Cellar Records, and builds upon the bands previous releases but seems more focused. Over this six song vinyl release you will find the signature and vibrant string textures molded by violinist Beth Remis and bassists Evan Hydzik, and the intense percussion of Mark Trecka, but what I love are fluid and layered fluid vocal improvisations by each member of this trio. This is celestial chamber music with dead-can-dance-esque vocals provided by Trecka. There are tribal elements, folk elements, and elements of various cultural influences. My favorite track is the closing track “Made of Sheen”. It slowly opens with what seems like an endless single note, but then explodes open into a whole new realm of sound.
Lay of Pilgrim Park was released on Feb. 9th and is available on vinyl with a digital download by Empty Cellar Records.