Painted Palms’ second full-length album, Horizons, exudes a sense of confidence and purpose that is only present when two creators share a singular focus and absolute trust in each other’s talents.
On Horizons, emotional states are suspended between light and dark, driven by the tension of efficient song structures. From the first ominous harmonies of lead single “Refractor,” it’s clear that Painted Palms’ panoramic pop sound has never been more fully realized.
Though vocalist Chris Prudhomme and producer Reese Donohue chose to collaborate on their second full-length by sending song ideas back and forth over e-mail, just as they did when crafting their 2014 debut Forever, Horizons marks the first time the duo has expanded their sound beyond the bedroom by stepping into the studio.
Mixed by former DFA house engineer Eric Broucek (LCD Soundsystem, Classixx), Horizons engages with a diverse sonic palette on each track: ‘60s psych-pop, ‘80s synths, hypnotic vibes of the kind induced by Bjork and early ‘90s Creation Records bands, and the trunk-rattling minimalism of Southern hip-hop.
Horizons is a meditation on balance, on searching for a way to survive in a place where things are always changing, and there are no real ends. And as a result, it’s a record that showcases Painted Palms refining and executing their best work to date.
Horizons is a meditation on achieving balance in a place where things are always changing, and there are no real ends. As a result, Painted Palms refines and executes their best work to date.
The Fat Angel Sings 