CHRISTENSEN, STEFAN - American Pastoral Again

STEFAN CHRISTENSEN has been a staple in the New Haven, CT scene for the last decade, playing in, among many others, ESTROGEN HIGHS, EHRGEIZIG, PERMANENT FEELS and MEDICATION; recording Sex, Worn Leather, Pieces of Fruit; collaborating on the C/Site label and with the venue Popeyes Garage. And while it would seem that Stefan has always lived a sharks life_¢‚Ǩ‚ÄùIll drown if I stop swimming_¢‚Ǩ‚Äùit is really only in the last year that he has entered his most prolific phase. All that other stuff has been_¢‚Ǩ¬¶ practice? In the prior twelve months, Stefan has released two full lengths and a pair of EPs on cassette via the esteemed labels Loki, Night People, and C/Site. American Pastoral Again is the debut vinyl outing from this eponymous artist issued by ever/never records. Channeling Gate, Jim Shepard, Crystalized Movements, and Shakey himself, the twelve minute title track consumes the entire A-side in a melancholic dirge. It is backed by four quick blasts that introduce elements of pop, noise, and more dirge. With varied approaches, Stefans songs are written from a unique and developed voice. A unifying thread through these works is the careful craftsmanship, each song tailored perfectly_¢‚Ǩ‚Äùknowing when to let it breathe, when to ramp up tension_¢‚Ǩ‚Äùfor the most impact. Had Stefan cut his teeth in a more insular scene, in a more glamorous town, hed have been a hitmaker, but we are thankful that was not the case. As American Pastoral Again demonstrates, he is onto something much more fulfilling and unforgettable." - Ever/Never.