In Conflict is the second song off of Pallett’s 2014 album of the same name. The song deals with the balance between human beings' violent impulses, and their repression of those impulses. The turmoil one feels when they are trying to balance these two emotions gives the song its namesake and is a prominent theme on the album. Pallett elaborated, It is monoliths, it is discipline, it is repetition, it is anger.
In Conflict is the fourth full-length album by Canadian indie rock artist Owen Pallett, released May 27, 2014 on Domino Records and Secret City Records.
In Conflict (CD, Album). Domino Recording, Hostess Entertainment Unlimited. WIGCD304J, HSE 10149. In Conflict (14xFile, FLAC, Album). In Conflict (CD, Album, Promo).
The second studio album to be released under his own name, Owen Pallett's In Conflict, despite its antagonistic title, sounds like the culmination of all of his previous guises (Final Fantasy, Arcade Fire string arranger, Oscar-nominated co-writer of the score to 2013's Her), and while it may peer into the abyss (at least thematically)
Take Canadian t Owen Pallett’s arty, achingly personal, violin-led ballads. A niche musical area perhaps, but in Pallett’s capable, creative hands, one that has led to him touring with Arcade Fire, being nominated for an Oscar (for the score he co-wrote with Arcade Fire’s William Butler for Spike Jonze’s ‘Her’) and working with legends like Brian Eno. ‘In Conflict’, the fourth solo album from Pallett (previously writing under the name Final Fantasy), is a sublime demonstration of why he’s held in such high regard.
Album · 2014 · 13 Songs. An Oscar nomination (along with Arcade Fire) for Best Original Score for Spike Jonze’s 2013 film Her ensures that Pallett is more confident and daring on the second studio album under his own name. Recorded in Montreal with the core rhythm section of Robbie Gordon and Matt Smith-with integral contributions from Brian Eno and the Czech FILMharmonic Orchestra-the album was written and produced by Pallett. It flows smoothly from orchestral pop confections to serious incidental music, underpinning Pallett’s many talents.
Owen Pallett used to veil his songs in characters and scenarios imported from an alternate universe’s folklore. On In Conflict, for the first time, he’s singing directly about himself. In Conflict is ominous, gloomy, and marked with some of the most playful arrangements Pallett’s laid to date. The depth of field in this album alone is a pleasure - just listen to how the beat seems to be ringing out from four or five different distances on Chorale, how mechanical chirps orbit the listener like errant drones on The Sky Behind the Flag. Listen to how Pallett’s always in the middle of the chaos, pressed against your ear while the music pulses and sways around him.
In Conflict’ is a beautiful and powerful album, light as a feather in its delivery of complicated musical and lyrical ideas, but packing a punch that’s sharp enough to floor most other records released this year. In Conflict is an impressive record of worthy content, but the day he finds a way to reconcile his musical chops to his pop ear, then Owen Pallett will surely make his masterpiece.
Owen Pallett has announced the follow up to 2010's Heartland and Swedish Love Story EP. It's called In Conflict, and it's out May 13 via Domino/Secret City. It features contributions from Brian Eno on synth, guitar, and vocals, plus the Czech FILMharmonic Orchestra. The album was recorded by Mark Lawson at Hotel2Tango and Sonovox Studios in Montreal. Find the album cover above. Pallett is also heading out on a tour.
