Parsonsfield - Blooming Through The Black (CD) |

The members of Parsonsfield knew it would not be easy, but they relished the challenge of converting an old axe factory on the banks of the Farmington River in Connecticut into the studio where they would record their stirring new album Blooming Through The Black. The band recruited producer Sam Kassirer to help them convert the cavernous space into a working studio. Creating in such a unique and enormous space pushed the band to embrace understatement and subtlety to balance out the their natural exuberance and energy. The result is an album that finds the band deftly moving between driving anthems and quieter, more reflective tracks. And throughout Blooming Through The Black, the band continues to hone their unbelievable harmonies. Blooming Through The Black opens with “Stronger,” a slow-burner that begins as an acoustic folk number and builds to an electrified tumult. It’s a showcase for their instrumental prowess, lyrical chops, and unbridled passion. The title track—inspired by the sight of the first flowers growing back in the forest fire-charred landscape of Hell Canyon, South Dakota—finds singer/banjo player Chris Freeman blending punk energy with earnest sincerity in his delivery, while “Across Your Mind” rides a feel-good groove driven by bassist Harrison Goodale and drummer Erik Hischman, and “Water Through A Mill” ebbs and flows like a solemn hymn on top of Max Shakun’s meditative pump organ.