Francis Plagne - Rural Objects (2019)

Must-check album of home brewed country and psych-soul hybrids from Melbourne’s Francis Plagne, rejoining Oren Ambarchi’s Black Truffle following a richly enigmatic 2018 outing with crys cole.

Following its tape edition of 100 copies by Hobbies Galore, Plagne’s ‘Rural Objects’ lands as a digital release on Black Truffle to evince, where needed, that the label is as adept at picking up balmy, easy-listening wonders like this one as they are covering the heaviest rock and farthest avant-garde.

Including drums by Joe Talia (another crucial member of the scene swirling Ambarchi and BT), the album’s 12 instrumental - but melodically lyrical - songs were recorded precisely a month before its release date. As such it brings a direct, one-to-one representation of the artist in his studio, working with what sounds like harmonium, organ, guitar and percussion to create absorbingly immersive, meditative interzones that recall to our minds everything from downtown NYC vibes by Gray and Arthur Russell to the ghostly introspection of Loren Connors, and even late night Miles styles.