‘Out Of Season’ is an album that places scale and ambition as its centrepiece. The record features a plethora of artists, including Jenny Conlee (The Decembrists), Kyleen King (The Decembrists), Paul Cartwright (Father John Misty) and Stevie Scott (MACHINEHEART) to name a few. The project of Chris Karman, Historian’s music is the kind to fall into, to immerse yourself in, and to entirely lose yourself within. There’s a transient, ethereal quality to his sound that permits the listener to float within his spacey atmosphere. It’s not your normal type of folk music, it’s more of a synthesis between alternative folk and dream pop.
On the latest record, ‘Out of Season’, Historian’s ensemble effort which includes thirty artists sees his vision taken to a new level. From the first piece, ‘What Is There to Hide?’, Karman’s palatial sensibilities in production are vividly put to play. On slower pieces like the titular track, the orchestral depth that the album possesses shines resplendently. The instrumental work throughout this record is wondrous, replete with synergies everywhere. It contains multitudes, both in lyrical dexterity as well as compositional prowess.
It’s on the album’s final track ‘The Center’, that Historian really is able to tie the record to with aplomb. The haunting and ominous final piece is more nightmarish than dreamy. Although being devoid of any notable vocal anchor, its instrumentals are moving enough to have you entirely enraptured. It sees the record at its peak cinematic stature, at its most ambitiously vivid imagery. Listening to ‘Out of Season’ is a complete experience that can at times be overwhelming. You almost need to let yourself go, to resign to where Historian is taking you and allow his ensemble to ferry you away. Float on, in a river that’ dark and dreary but with a glimmer of light to guide you through.