“Well, you got some sanctified rural acid rock, jubilant space-synth testifying, interplanetary ritual ethno-foraging (Mars bass), and a solid helping of hellfire’n’brimstone.”
PA’s Evening Fires newest, Light From On High, is certainly that, and more. And I’m here to testify. With a catalog that is as diverse, cohesive and enriching as anyone peddling that old-time rural acid rock, Evening Fires have made it very clear who has salvation and who is hawking watered down snake oil. There isn’t much overt about Evening Fires, there’s nothing that needs to scream for attention. They judiciously spend the silver from the collection plate on subtlety in craft and execution. The richness, and satisfaction, of Light From On High is the proof. And it’s a strong proof; a legion of influences and touchstones are distilled through their pipes that to name check them all for the sake of description does them, and Evening Fires, a disservice. Quantifying it all thins the experience to gruel, and walking away from this one hungry is no one’s fault but your own. And a sin. As you move from cut to cut you’ll find yourself gliding through an eco-system as interconnected and self-sustaining as any. Evening Fires make living, breathing music. Music that is anchored in Mother Earth, yet floats up and disperses until you’re not sure if they are under that canopy of buzzing stars or if they were the ones who put them there. Distillation was mentioned earlier, and Evening Fires themselves say ‘The refining process is key: Original recordings were gathered in root cellars, churches, and all-wooden rooms around central PA.’ Which makes perfect sense; their music goes far beyond pigeon-holes of psych folk or prog so why should their studio be anything less than encompassing? All of this filters into a unique and deep voice that is both its own, and part of something much bigger than itself, something that’s been going on for a long time. Their latest is also one of the most unlikely, and hands down finest, space rock (yes) records to come down, well, from on high in a long time. Unexpected? Maybe, but that’s what this is supposed to be about. To these often pagan ears, that makes Evening Fires a quintessential–and timeless–American band and Light From On High one of the finest of this or any other year.
Amen.
The Molten Fingertip Of God Almighty :: Evening Fires :: Light From On High (2012, Deep Water Acres)
"This show is 110% … one of the most consistently awesome programs we have come across."
The Sunrise Ocean Bender sets sail every Monday morning, 1 – 3 a.m. on WRIR lp 97.3 FM, to find something for your ears, and something for your head … From psych to prog to pop and whatever tributary we can find on the way … and right back around again. There might be a map, but the destination is up for grabs. If it all goes right, we may just get lost. Meet me at the muster station … it might be a long week.
PA’s 
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