Chris Pellnat - Go (2022)

Bloggerhythms' readers were first exposed to the quirky but extremely talented Chris Pellnat two years ago when I reviewed his third solo album, Rain.

Currently, the sometimes rocking singer-songwriter is back with Go, a similar sounding set that is another true artistic success.
Pellnat is a busy man. He's a musician from Hudson, NY who plays electric guitar in a loud band named The Warp/The Weft and he is also one half of Teeniest, a folk influenced duo.

Pellnat advertises his solo work as a bit "off-kilter" which is one of the reasons it's so enjoyable. His melodic arrangements are often paired with idiosyncratic lyrics that deal with many serious and introspective topics, yet his work is never depressing. If you're attracted to unconventional music Go is an album you must listen to.

On his latest ten song release this triple threat musician features rocking electric guitar, but you'll also be treated to healthy doses of vibraphone, some old fashioned dulcimer and clarinet, synthesizers and a pleasant but uncommon singing voice that never works up a sweat. Pellnat's influences abound. You'll be exposed to everything from folk music, late 60s psychedelic rock, 90s indie rock and even some light jazz.

For an example of Pellnat's unusual thoughts that his imaginative mind turns into song lyrics listen to "Existential Dread." "When the coffee wears off, and that existential dread returns, all the things that I said I'd do, they all seem impossible. When the drinking wears off, and that existential dread returns, all the things that I promised you, they all seem improbable. When the weed all wears off, and that existential dread returns, all the dreams that I dreamed, they all seem unachievable."

On "This is Not Even Rock and Roll," the New Yorker admits he wants fame and fortune. "I'm a walking cliché with my guitar, I want to get rich and be a star. There's only one hitch: I'm getting too old, and this is not even, this is not even, this is not even rock and roll."

Writing about Pellnat's work is not an easy task. Because it's so unique you'll never really appreciate him by reading a review such as this one. To fully comprehend his artistry you must listen to the entire album below. There is a whole lot more going on than you might expect from a brief, thirty-one minute record.

Find out more at Pellnat's Bandcamp page.

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