Since 2008, Portland experimental duo
Golden Retriever have made immersive music using a unique combination of modular synthesizers and amplified bass clarinet, melding their instruments together as an ecstatic, engaging whole.
Rain Shadow is their first collaboration with esteemed guitarist
Chuck Johnson, another artist with a transportive command on his instrument. In some ways, the album is similar to the ambient Americana
Johnson produced with
Marielle V Jakobsons as part of
Saariselka, but while the duo developed their glowing, starlit compositions together,
Rain Shadow was created remotely from the three musicians' home studios, with each individual introducing musical ideas and building from them. The resulting four pieces are relaxed and unhurried, but at key moments, the musicians lock together in a radiant surge of energy. Opener "Empty Quarter" takes the longest to arrive at this point, swelling up after about ten minutes of electric waves and lonesome pedal steel guitar cries. There's more contrast to "Sage Thrasher," which begins with sparse, solemn floating before a much more ecstatic buzz emerges after about six minutes. This dazzling light wave continues through until it gradually becomes washed out by the end, seemingly by force -- the overwhelming current of energy could've continued indefinitely, but they had to cap it off somehow. "Creosote Ring" highlights the interplay between the trio, and the instruments all take on a sadder, more mournful tone.
Johnson's weeping guitar swoops around
Matt Carlson's gliding synths, while
Jonathan Sielaff plays a heartfelt, bittersweet melody, and an undefined aura envelops it all.