Pantomime’s new EP: Permaculture
Permaculture released Pantomime -the four-song mellow alternative rock EP -last Friday, August 27, and it’s been running through our heads ever since.
After last year’s surprise release of their single, Atlanta, I was excited to hear a full EP from Noah Walsh, frontman of Pantomime. As promised, the songs are jammed pack with ripping guitar and easy-listening vocals.
The four-song alternative EP features the songs: Dragonflies, Alone, Soft Light, and Mountain. This whole mini-album reminds me of a school dance that you’d see in the movies- this dance is clearly much more exciting than the ones we were promised. It’s full of blue lights and punch, centered by the crowd of people slow dancing to the live band on a platform stage. The live band being Pantomime.
The scene opens with Dragonflies, our jiving dance that gets everyone to the floor, then we slow it down with Alone. We get the rhythm back up with Soft Light and close it out with the jamming Mountain.
FAVORITE MOMENTS
Dragonflies’ opens and immediately gives me summer windows down vibes. This song is my personal favorite of the EP, with “Soon we’ll be dancing like the dragonflies,” on repeat in my brain.
Alone has me spinning with the winding guitars and whammy. :30 seconds in the chorus hits and completely scoops me up into the vortex. I bought exactly what the song is selling. While the music folds around me, I feel not alone.
Soft Light is a walking anthem, driven by the folksy heartbeat of the drum and the raw lyrics and vocal performance. All that partnered with the minimal instrumentation, you are able to hear the heart of this song.
Mountain gives me Spiller vibes. This EP whirls around me like a blanket allowing me to sail away in my dreamscape.
“live by your truth no matter where you lay”
I was able to sit down (virtually) with Noah Walsh to hear the inside scoop.
Q & A
Q: What is your writing process?
Honestly, my writing process hasn't changed much over the past 7 or 8 years. If anything, I try to write every song like it's my first time-- unapologetically fumbling through changes and messy poetry only by feel. Although I've formally studied several instruments and some theory; I throw most of it out the window when I pick up the pen. I dig songs that feel raw and gritty; ones that hold up when performed just on an acoustic at odd hours. Everything I release has to fit that standard. I was directly influenced by artists like Silver Jews, Josh Ottum, Mission of Burma, and Starflyer 59 when writing the EP.
Q; What has been your inspiration for your music writing, particularly this EP?
I originally started Permaculture as an experimental solo project, but it has bloomed into a loose collective since then. Especially with Whale Watch, I used to be a very controlling artist. Everything had to be my way and each rehearsal or session had to be run into the ground as a sweaty-6-hour-coffee-stained-mess. Ever since I personally focused more on holistic practices, my music followed. Although I wrote and performed all the songs on Pantomime, I consider Permaculture to be a band. Friends, family, and supporters contribute to the merch, artwork, photography, promotion, audio engineering, and production every step of the way. I hope my songs continue to be a way for people to connect and come together. I just lay down the foundation and people add watercolors. I'm no longer grasping every bar.
Q. What's next?
I’m not sure what “live performance” will look like for me this year, but whether it's solo in a basement or with a few friends in Boston, I'm sure I'll play live. Merch is continually changing, but the first portion will be available in early September. Both Permaculture and Whale Watch continue to slowly grow, so I have full intentions to keep formally releasing music. I would recommend checking out "Alone" or "Dragonflies" if you dig minimalist alternative music.
Check out Permaculture on Spotify or your preferred streaming service.
Hey there, reader! Thanks for coming over this way. I had taken a short hiatus of writing some reviews, but NEVER stop listening to new and exciting music. I am back and excited to be bringing you the hottest tunes. Have a tune I should be checking out? Send it my way on instagram @theelizamonologues !
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