Strange Pilgrim Finds the Light on ‘Too Bright Planet’
Portland, Oregon’s Strange Pilgrim returns with the exclusive album premiere of their new record, ‘Too Bright Planet,’ out September 26th.
Following their critically acclaimed self-titled debut and the recently released ‘Embers’ EP, the band, led by songwriter Josh Barnhart, expands their sound and lineup with the addition of Pat Spurgeon (Rogue Wave) and Elliott Kay. The result is a richer, more collaborative vision that moves beyond the shadows of their past work.
On ‘Too Bright Planet,’ the band sheds the alienation of their debut for themes of acceptance and rebirth. This new direction is reflected in a kaleidoscopic sound that pulls from the cosmic Americana of The Grateful Dead, the art-rock textures of Brian Eno, and the sun-drenched melancholy of early ’70s Fleetwood Mac. The album is a lush, moody tapestry reminiscent of Luna’s ‘Penthouse’ or Jonathan Wilson’s ‘Gentle Spirit’… it’s a record that feel like some sort of a cinematic soundtrack for a mind in motion.
The album’s heart beats in its quiet moments of discovery. The title track, ‘Too Bright Planet,’ is a surreal time-lapse of a single day, capturing that almost-unreal instant when a new person enters your life and the world shifts on its axis. Opener ‘Late Light’ eases you into a space where the mundane and the dreamlike blur, a hazy, nocturnal shift that invites you to settle in and let go. Throughout the album, Barnhart’s lyrics, inspired by the poetry of Robert Hass and the films of Akira Kurosawa and Wim Wenders, create a fascinating narrative.
This sense of connection extends beyond the music itself. The album cover features a painting by Barnhart’s grandfather, a fitting nod to the album’s themes of inherited identity. It’s a beautiful, full-circle moment that grounds the music in a rich history.
It’s a record that asks you to sit with your memories, embrace the shifting light, and find a sense of peace in the quiet, forward motion.
The album is available for pre-order at the following link.
Headline photo: Katie Oscar
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