*Cover Image by Megan Menzer

Named for the star closest to our sun in the constellation of Gemini, “Pollux” is a gentle caress of thrumming zither, trickling mbira and trotting electric guitar. Taken from his upcoming solo album on Centripetal Force, Cygnus A, this is a meditative and dazzling jewel of a track that will leave you feeling grounded and centered by its conclusion.

Drew Gardner, of whom you should know from Elkhorn, Jeffrey Alexander & The Heavy Lidders and his Flowers in Space band (and you know, from making contributions to blogs such as this one), performs all of the instruments on this record with the nimbleness and care that shows his reverence for quiet, close sounds, much like with the acoustic Elk records of the past.

With the barest of elements, Gardner summons a shimmering and yet earthy psychedelic atmosphere that entirely relies upon the natural resonating and textural quality of the instruments he’s improvising with. Check out “Pollux” below to understand exactly what I mean:

Click here to preorder this album on vinyl or digital today ahead of its June 7th release date.

Speaking of Centripetal Force, another big RCU favorite artist, Elijah McLaughlin, just announced a new duo album with Caleb Willitz on the label. Aided by fellow Chicago improv veterans Edward Wilkerson Jr., Josh Johannpeter, Charles Rumback, and Jason Stein, this is a brilliant and spellbinding listen top to bottom. Check it out:

-KH