Drawing us in with a charismatic ad lib of “oh cha cha”, and a soundscape that feels like a chugging track, The Pendulum Hearts open A Song for Phaedrus with a charismatic timbre and situational, philosophical prose. The sonic tempo shifts are sublime, and we appreciate the high emotional quotient and chord changes that remind us of The Beatles.
The fiddle solo is transcendental, and the intellectual depth of the lyrics is poignant and universally connected. The overarching sentiment of oneness and decoding the notion of “no separation between you and me and the rest of the universe”, is something that we connect with on a profound level. Speaking on the release, the band confess, “A Song for Phaedrus explores the Buddhist concept of self and environment, pondering what it means to be a small human in an ever expansive universe. It reflects the delicate balance between introspection and extroversion, the art of contemplation alongside the joy of living in the moment.”
The opus has a cinematic allure, perfect for a modern day recreation of a vintage Hollywood film. Although the track is only three minutes long, this is the perfect amount that leaves us yearning for more, and a deeper connection with reality as we know it.
We learn that the song was also inspired after reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, and its fusion of country, mariachi, and folk music creates a unique, genre expansive energy that feels holistic and akin to the overarching message of the piece.
The combination of the guitar and fiddle tells a story in a magesterial yet personal manner, placing an audience in a time where deep thoughts were associated with music. This song is uniquely remarkable not only in the bands records, but in the modern folk world because of the groundbreaking structure and its spiritual interpretation.
Led by Chase Risinger on guitar and vocals, with Tony Perez on fiddle, the band features a rotating lineup of seasoned musicians, including Josh Hoag (Asleep at the Wheel, Brennan Leigh) and Zack Sapunor (Dale Watson, Hot Club of Cowtown). Their live shows manifest infectious rhythms and thrilling solos, making every night an electrifying experience, which we can imagine from listening to A Song for Phaedrus.
Chase, who has been performing since the age of thirteen, truly captivates us with his eccentric songwriting, unique timbre, and existential nature. We have added the opus to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TRIPPY and TIMELESS playlists, whilst we continue to explore the wider discography of the band, including A Man with a Plan, and Bon Voyage Veronica.