The debut collaboration from Golden Retriever and Chuck Johnson challenges all expectations

Within its four tracks, the trio manage to sync their respective styles into one impressive vision. But whereas Jonathan Sielaff and Matt Carlson of Golden Retriever have dabbled in various guest spots and solo work since 2017’s excellent Rotations, Johnson has remained most active with an expansive discography alongside his newest group with Marielle Jakobsons, Saariselka. Yet, while any avid listener of these musicians will gain an understanding of what Rain Shadow has to offer, the group manage to entice us with the warming reverie of unhurried progression and sweeping textures.

Known for his finger-picking guitar work, Johnson’s other forte comes in the form of a pedal steel guitar, a centerpiece framed throughout the album. Paired alongside Golden Retriever’s chamber-pop, the trio manage to touch upon greatness. “Empty Quarter” starts us out lead by Johnson’s musing command. But as he adorns the track with glinting plucks and delicate slide, its fabric wavers with coppery buzz and tonal bursts. Yet, as the song stays generally anchored, its runtime remains spacious, a theme that runs throughout the album.

“Sage Thrasher” is the album’s most wonderfully contrasting track. While its harmonic swell nods to 90s signature drone, its framework breaks away and essentially gets swallowed in a giant mass of hiss and static towards its end. Rain Shadow’s remaining tracks are its shortest. “Lupine” beams with ghostly elegance atop woodwind treatment, serving as the album’s most preternatural retreat while album closer, “Creosote Ring” is likely the most experimental with its dueling clash of thrumming synthesizer and pedal steel. Yet, under the trio’s pensive touch, Rain Shadow concludes as an eclectic offering, showing just how far the group are willing to stretch their range. But even while its songs delve into unknown regions that challenge what we’re experiencing, Rain Shadow also allows us to ponder, reassess, and admire the infinite, multi-colored horizon that we inhabit.