Chris Pellnat’s six-song EP, Reign Down, delivers an honest, no-nonsense rock sound with a folk vibe. As Pellnat sings right out of the gate, “You can put your faith in what you see“, so trust him and click play.
The opener, “Chasing Love,” draws its tension from a tight, structural contrast. The verses bounce directly between just a minor and a major chord, creating a distinct push-and-pull before opening up into a warm, vintage chorus that feels like a nod to the classic rock era. From there, the title track, “Reign Down,” pulls you into a slightly mysterious groove. The real hook here is how the instruments talk to each other, blending crunchy, saturated electric guitars with the smooth, elegant ring of a vibraphone. It gives the track a widescreen texture.
“Banished” shakes things up with a lighter, playful groove. Pellnat keeps things interesting by throwing an accordion into the mix. On paper, it might sound traditional, but dropping it right into a song that has been driven by a rock-centric sound up to that point is a cool twist. When you get to “Faces,” you notice the production skips the sterile, hyper-polished editing you hear on most tracks nowdays. It lacks that rigid studio perfection, and honestly, it’s better for it. It feels like you’re sitting in the room watching the band play live, capturing a raw energy that feels alive.
“Soft Landing” starts with a sharp, memorable riff locking heads with a steady rhythm section. The track keeps your ears busy by layering in the warm, organic sound of an organ, followed by a clarinet and vibraphone that lean right back into that organic, live-in-the-room vibe. The EP wraps up with its, at least for us, standout moment, “The Heart Sees More.” Atmospheric synth pads give the song a cinematic depth, while a sweet acoustic guitar riff sets a reflective mood before the vocals move to a much more bright direction.
Throughout the whole EP, the vocals stay totally raw and unprocessed. By leaving the effects behind, Pellnat keeps the entire project feeling real, close, and beautifully grounded.
Follow Chris Pellnat
Facebook
This review was made possible by SubmitHub
Secret Eclectic 