Review
Jessica Pratt's "Here in the Pitch" bursting forth in the unfolding bloom of May 3, 2024, stands as a luminescent beacon in her artistic voyage. Seamlessly blending influences from the plush, orchestral linings of 1960s baroque pop with her signature sonic bravery, this fourth studio sorcery has rightfully nestled itself into the lore of critically revered works. Intimate and sweeping, the album's tapestry unfolds like a misty dawn over an endless ocean, its panoramic embrace shaped by timpani, glockenspiel, baritone saxophone, and flute. Pratt crafts a wandering spirit narrative that nods subtly yet profoundly to California's enigmatic past.
Delving into the shrouded corners of Los Angeles' history, Pratt masterfully stitches a thematic quilt rich with shadows and cultural intrigue. Entanglements with the haunting tales of the Manson Family, the raw grit of Hollywood depicted in Kenneth Anger's "Hollywood Babylon," and Joan Didion’s sense of lurking foreboding entwine with a fascinating elegance. These whispers of history embolden her lyrical prose, ensconcing her compositions in a dreamy paradox where what is forgotten dances with what is now.
Vocally, Pratt emerges more luminous than ever, her voice—a sharpened tool—maneuvering through harmonic folds, supported by talents like Ryley Walker, Peter Mudge, and Alex Goldberg. Every layering and the velvet tenderness of reverb stitch nightingale hymns through mono’s crystalline night. Tracks such as "Life Is" glide through dreamy dilapidation like sunlight in winter fog, while "Empire Never Knows" honks horns through shadow's echoes. When the fleshed-out journey leads to the end and onto "The Last Year," a captivatingly poignant horizon spreads its daring hand in hope rather than dusk. The culmination is nuanced magic—a siren mingling of misery, wonder, and promise acclaimed from every illuminated corner it touches. Pratt's human chronicles intertwine with chords of history, creating an experience treasured and new. - Mack
Listening Guide
• Vibe: Quiet Afternoon Escapism
• Insight: This album’s dreamy, atmospheric layers and introspective melodies make it perfect for an afternoon of quiet reflection and escape. The blend of baroque pop and hauntingly beautiful vocals creates a soundscape that invites listeners to get lost in thought. It’s an ideal soundtrack for those moments when you want to disconnect from reality and let your mind wander through a lush, ethereal journey.
