La Palma are an American duo who are responsible for one of my favourite albums I’ve reviewed on these pages. In 2021, I discovered them thanks to their wonderfully dreamy LP Moonflower. I’m so pleased to delve into their latest release, a three track EP called Red-tailed River.

By Graeme Smith

La Palma are Chris Walker and Tim Gibbon, a pair based on opposite coasts of the US in Washington DC and San Francisco, but brought together by a shared love of dream pop and indie folk. In this EP, both take on singing duties, and both take inspiration from nature for their songs.

The EP opens with Chris’s Hawks in the Sky, inspired by bird-watching outside his San Francisco home. It’s a vibrantly acoustic folk track which grows into something richly ambient. There’s something hypnotic about its looping rhythm while Chris’s soft and charming vocals invite you in. It’s a strong start.

Rock Creek sees Tim Gibbon take up singing and song writing duties, and takes its inspiration from watching the river behind his DC home. It’s somewhat more electronic and experimental but blends nicely with Hawks in the Sky. Fuzzy guitar fills your speakers nicely while Tim’s vocals are dreamily ethereal.

Finally, we get Feather Sticks, a short and quirky instrumental piece to round off the EP in a bright and joyful style. It’s a lovely note on which to end things, and a succinct example of the warm and enveloping world that La Palma can create.

Moonflower made me fall in love with La Palma thanks to its rich, complex yet inviting soundscape that demanded multiple listens. Though Red-tailed River is only three tracks, it does exactly the same. There’s just something about La Palma’s music that makes my heart leap. If you’ve not heard them before, you’re in for a treat. If you’re already a fan, then you’ll definitely enjoy this addition to their catalogue.

You can check out the whole of Red-tailed River below.