Under the Pines (2017) is the first proper full-length from Philadelphia space rock veterans
Bardo Pond since 2013's
Peace on Venus, although they've released a sizeable stack of vinyl during the four years in between, including a double-LP of early recordings, several Record Store Days EPs consisting of covers, a split with
Yo La Tengo, and a collaboration with
Acid Mothers Temple and
Guru Guru. The album is a sprawling mix of bliss and sadness through sun-baked acid psych jams. Isobel Sollenberger's softly aching vocals call out clearly, seeking truth and light, over the loose but heavy rhythms. "Out of Reach" is an early highlight, settling on a slow tempo and a haunting amount of reverb over Sollenberger's voice, and gradually piling distortion effects on the guitars until everything sounds crushed and blurry. Instead of choking everything, this increases the energy; the drums gallop and Sollenberger urges you to "keep on dancing." "My Eyes Out" is much more down and out, with Sollenberger singing about crying her eyes out over a drowsy jam with numerous effects spilling over. Following the bummed-out country/psych number "Moment to Moment" (complete with steel guitar and flute), the album's title track is another supremely melancholy lament. However, it seems like there's some sort of comfort in the sense of gloom and despondency. Sollenberger states that she's so happy she could cry, and is content with sleeping peacefully in the woods, far from all the troubles of civilization. A flute instrumental titled "Effigy" appropriately concludes the album.
Under the Pines is emotionally heavy, and its best moments manage to find warmth and comfort in crippling depression. ~ Paul Simpson