Heron Oblivion: Heron Oblivion [Album Review]

Heron Oblivion
Heron Oblivion
Sub Pop [2016]

Fire Drill Album Review: As far as debuts go, San Francisco’s Heron Oblivion puts forth a strong effort. Drawing off sounds old and new, Heron Oblivion’s influences range from Sandy Denny/Fairport Convention to Jefferson Airplane, Six Organs of Admittance to Dead Meadow, and the cosmic antics of Endless Boogie. Each member has had their exposure in the scene with Meg Baird performing with folk collective Espers. Ethan Miller and guitarist Noel Von Harmonson both played in Comets on Fire. Second guitarist Charlie Saufley played in San Francisco’s Assemble Head in Sunburst Sound. That is the reason their self-titled debut works. Heron Oblivion’s pedigree allowed for an album that’s hypnotic with its crests and troughs of tranquil beauty and distorted fury. Even with the longer tracks on the album, some examples being “Rama,” “Seventeen Landscapes,” and “Your Hollows.” Heron Oblivion manages to create a mystery that easy to lose yourself in, but as a listener you still maintain engagement that allows your to identify nuance. It’s an album that accomplishes what it sets out to do. I’m already looking forward to a follow up.

Heron Oblivion Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Tahy

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Christopher Tahy

Along with TFN, Christopher Tahy writes for several music publications and has a modest (but growing) vinyl collection that spans genres and generations, while being a guitarist at heart. He enjoys the Dayton music scene and can never turn down a great rock riff!

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