Owen Pallett - In Conflict

Composer and songwriter Owen Pallett takes a number of instrumental risks on this new album of his.

Owen Pallett - "The Riverbed"

A sharp, percussive, repetitive beat and a more-intense-than-usual string progression rule the proceedings on this new Owen Pallett track, taken from his upcoming record In Conflict. The whole thing has much more urgency than a song of his has had in years ("Many Lives -> 49 MP" or the ending of "This Lamb Sells Condos" come close). Nevertheless, "The Riverbed" is a pretty thrilling direction to hear Pallett taking his music, and it comes accompanied by a nice video showing an older man (played by Pallett's uncle) going out on a date with a woman, being heckled by "jerks" (as they are listed in the credits - one played by Pallett himself) and then the older man going out the next day and presumably beating the crap out of them. Surprisingly fitting, actually, as this song's constantly increasing force sounds like great fight music.

In Conflict is out May 13 via Domino. While you're at it, check out the other new track of his to drop, "On a Path", which is also quite good.