‘Pottery of Valleys and Arches’ is a musical treasure trove. A goldmine of quirky references and unique, researched compositional formulas. Granted: this might not be a record for everyone, yet the most eclectic readers will greatly rejoice in discovering it. Blending jazz and soulful stylings with mellow electronica and indie extravaganza, the album showcases the wide-scope artistry enjoyed by Seattle-based duo EarthtoneSkytone.
‘Two Sides, One Reflection’ opens the record and instantly seems to be wanting to affirm its character. “Here’s some nuanced jazz guitar… but also have a look at this synth riff! Oh, and drums are intricate and fragmented…”. Whichever way you look at it, it’s hard to frame ‘Pottery of Valleys and Arches’ into a pre-established musical box. We’d simply call it modern jazz, in its largest sense. But even with that, we’d just love to appreciate EarthtoneSkytone’s blissful expressive language on its own.
Further on, ‘Tend Towards Whispers’ introduces drum machines and complex harmonic work, marking a stark contrast between the seemingly straightforward electronic beat and the more elaborate melodies and textures. Behind such a masterpiece, we find talented musicians and composers Carlos Snaider and Kelsey Mines, also contributing evocative and luscious vocals to the cause.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the record, they explain: “A collection of songs that introduce the band’s particular orientation towards harmony (musical and beyond), and an aesthetic of singularity within motion, cycles, and rhythm.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Pottery of Valleys and Arches’ on Spotify and Bandcamp:
