Few records start immediately endearing and quaintly as La Palma manage on the folksy yet modern “Red-tailed River”. They come alive with a sound that’s quite evidently an amalgamation of multiple frames of influence, merging into a confluence that’s vibrant yet mellow at once. “Red-Tailed River” takes listeners on a journey through the natural world, with each piece drawing inspiration from the beauty and serenity of the great outdoors. La Palm’as rather dreamy psych pop and indie folk textures evokes and brings to vivid life the ideal representation for this imagery in sonic form.
The EP opens with “Hawks in the Sky,” a track inspired by bird watching in San Francisco. There’s this almost immediate sense of bliss and tranquility that pervades over you as you find yourself almost melting into the background of the stillness of it all. It cascades with a jolly mood as well, the kind that keeps you on your toes and brings a smile to your face. As it progresses into the second track, “Rock Creek,”the tempo and mood goes down a notch further. Here, there’s a certain heaviness to the backing soundscape, one that’s transporting and atmospheric to new heights. It effortlessly evokes and captures a sense of solace and stillness, once again drawn from imagery and emotions of their native town.
The EP’s closing track, “Feather Sticks,” serves as a beautiful instrumental postlude, with a much more lively and jovial energy and sound coming to life through a sparklingly resplendent string section that just feels so innately happy and nostalgic. It’s not as atmospheric or grand as its predecessors, choosing instead to deliver a chirpy and quaint closure that’s short and succinct.
“Overall, “Red-Tailed River” is a captivating and immersive musical journey that captures the essence of the natural world and the beauty of La Palma’s unique sound. Each track is beautifully crafted and thoughtfully composed, showcasing the band’s exceptional talent and musicianship.
This is a record that feels immersive, that breathes life into each piece within it. There’s such an emotional strength to it all that draws you in and has you imagine the entire worlds of nature that La Palma built it off.