Across the 38-minute span of Petrichor, artist Heather Trost provides us with a lot of stuff. Here, we have folk, psychedelia, Americana, and hearty bouts of progression. It seems that the goal of this new album is to serenade, whilst never resting on any singular laurel. There are six tracks and an outro, each one seeking to engage in a manner wholly different to the previous, and as a package, the product operates very nicely.
The album traverses an emotional spectrum, and gives added depth to the feeling that Petrichor is a journey where every song is a substantial stopping point. There is no time wasted. The captivating psychedelic nuances bounce off the eardrums from the outset in the form of opening track, “Let It In”, which subsides to the galloping charisma of “Love It Grows”. A precedent of variety is already established, which carries on right until the album’s end.
As already stated, this record is based on feeling, and so the inspiring opening songs give way to the distinctly more emotive numbers of “Tracks To Nowhere” and “I’ll Think Of You”. Though unique in themselves, both these songs evoke the more tender reaches of folk, and transmit those senses with boundless resolve. Four tracks in, and already Petrichor proves itself to be an experience filled with soul, conviction, and power, as well as displaying a deft level of composition.
The final act of the record continues to provide, shifting gears and unleashing a stronger potency of adrenaline and mystery, with the suitably charismatic “Jump Into The Fire”. In many ways, this song is a highlight of the album, as it draws from Trost’s unrestrained desire for otherworldly creativity. The wonderful vocal talents, mixed with the distorted might of the music, make for some seriously attentive listening, and proves that Trost is an exceptional talent in her musical field.
One could suppose that the final opus – beginning with “VK09”, which gives rise to the ambient, full-circle sign-off of “Sunrise” – embodies all of the above, capturing a slick blend of emotion and enigma, and allowing listeners to drift after their already deep voyage. It is patient and bombastic, both at the same time, and serves as the perfect way to end an extremely good record. With Petrichor concluding in the same manner that it began, a sense that the project is a neatly-woven tapestry reigns supreme.
Petrichor is a track-by-track exercise in paying homage to some classic musical traits, whilst simultaneously creating something extremely unique and also, I suspect, wholly personal. Whether you are being serenaded, or being transported to far reaches of the imagination, Heather Trost ensures that the intent is put across with the best possible level of production, composition and heart. The record is slick, powerful, wonderful, and a full-course meal for those daring to dream. Listeners are advised to seek it out, find a quiet spot, and get involved, whereafter some pleasant musical surprises will quickly ensue.
