Sometimes the world evolves around an artist and a push is given to change their own world as well as their art. This maturity to accept fate and move forward peacefully is not always a common trait. Our new friend Pat Kearns has taken this leap and found a new peace. As well as a new project, The Kearns Family, to share this new perspective with the world.
Swapping the bustle (and gentrification) of his home in Portland for the stark beauty of his homestead in the Mojave Desert was the catalyst for a fresh sound. Teaming up with wife Susan Kearns, for a more introspective and atmospheric aesthetic led to the formation of The Kearns Family Band. Some power-pop sensibilities meshed with the traditions of ‘60s/70s outlaw/cosmic country….. and deep emotion.
The Kearns Family are set to release their debut album Together and Alone on January 31st 2025. This self-produced album, recorded in their solar-powered Goat Mountain Recording studio, highlights the shift in sound and helps us visualize the beauty of their locale.
Desert Dreamscapes:
“The Dust,” the album’s lead single, sets the tone perfectly. Sparse percussion, upright bass, and a haunting melody paint a picture of the arid yet beautiful landscape. Pat Kearns’ echoing vocals convey a sense of both isolation and acceptance. This theme of finding beauty in dusty solitude runs throughout the album and the accompanying music video.
Experience ‘The Dust’ of the desert with The Kearns Family
The storytelling style of “You Got No Claim To The Mine” draws in the listener with a gravelly vocal delivery. The simple and steady beat pushes the song forward as the sound fills all the space around us. A seemingly random shift in pretty vocal wakes us up to truly absorb what is around us.
The Longest track on the album at almost 7 minutes long is the powerful “The Funny Thing About Keeping Moving.” Here we get the feeling that The Kearns Family has lived and experienced this lonely and dark experience for a while. The story of a drifter that will not look to settle down and form roots, but you know what they say of the best laid plans. The emotion just pours from the speakers as we yearn to live the story ourselves. This is phenomenal songwriting.
Despite the album’s focus on solitude, the underlying theme of family connection remains strong. Susan Kearns’ beautiful artwork serves as the album’s cover art as well, adding a visual element to the couple’s creative partnership.
Recommended If You Like:
- Wilco’s introspective Americana with a touch of experimentation
- Sharon Van Etten’s ability to blend folk and rock with introspective themes
Final Verdict:
Together and Alone is a bold and captivating album that showcases The Kearns Family’s style. It’s a journey into the vastness of the desert, both physical and emotional, and the strength found in solitude and connection. For those seeking a hauntingly beautiful and thought-provoking listen, Together and Alone is a must, particularly on vinyl!
