Four albums in, and on the heels of their collaboration with Jay Som as Bachelor, El Kempner delivers their most consistent album yet in “Eye on the Bat”. If you like guitars, layered upon guitars, layered upon guitars, “The Clutch” puts that song in single of the year category. But it’s the more heartfelt and confessional (not a new approach for Kempner) songs that win the day here. The back-to-back openers of “Good Sex” and “Independence Day” rotate quickly from amusing anecdote to a detailed remembrance of a breakup. While the closing two songs (“Right About You” and “Fadin’”) are softly hued, lump in the throat gems that help to showcase Kempner’s full range of abilities.
With their latest album, “Eye On The Bat”, Palehound have unleashed a sonic tour de force that cements their status as one of the most exciting and forwardthinking artists in indie rock. Recorded with Sam Owens (Big Thief, Cass McCombs) at Flying Cloud Recordings in the Catskill Mountains, the album is a breathtaking showcase of artistic growth and evolution, with primary songwriter El Kempner (as well as multi-instrumentalist Larz Brogan) delivering a stunning batch of new songs that brim with energy, vulnerability, and raw emotion. From the explosive guitar riffs to the thunderous drumming and Kempner’s signature vocals, “Eye On The Bat” is the most thrilling and exhilarating album Palehound has made to date. The album’s sharp and introspective lyrics explore themes of selfdiscovery, anxiety, and empowerment, adding a layer of depth and nuance to the album’s uncompromising vision.
In addition to Kempner’s recent work with Bachelor (a collaborative project with Jay Som’s Melina Duterte), Palehound has earned widespread critical acclaim in outlets such as The New York Times, Pitchfork, and NPR, which praised their unique sound and fearless artistic direction.
Palehound’s long and storied touring history has seen them play shows around the world alongside some of the biggest names in indie rock, including Big Thief, Sylvan Esso, Lucy Dacus, PUP and more. And it’s not just other artists who have been inspired by their music – Kempner’s passionate and introspective song writing has struck a chord with fans around the world, cementing Palehound’s status as a deeply admired and widely influential artist.
The Fat Angel Sings 