San Franciscan psych-folk group Heron Oblivion followed their excellent 2016 full-length debut with this live recording, captured in the band's home town in early 2017. Six of the album's seven songs are performed here, and while these takes aren't grand departures from the studio versions, they demonstrate the acute focus of the group's vision. Featuring drummer/vocalist Meg Baird, guitarists Noel von Harmonson and Charlie Saufley, and bassist Ethan Miller, the band alternate between fragile, dreamy folk and heavy psych-rock, often featuring delicate vocals and crushing dual guitar solos in the same song. The group's control and discipline are impeccable -- the softer parts are tranquil and balm-like, putting the listener in a blissful state, and the heavy parts provide a surge of excitement. Somehow, when the group amps up, it seems to come naturally rather than sounding jarring or forced. There's still a bit of grit to these performances, though, particularly on the blazing rendition of album highlight "Faro." It starts with screeching feedback before launching into a steady Motorik rhythm. Baird's vocals sound a bit warbly, like she's on the verge of a breakdown, but she manages to keep it up for the song's intense climax, where the guitar soloing smothers everything like a volcanic eruption. The only non-album selections are a promising, untitled new tune with a typically destructive guitar solo and a slow-burning eight-minute cover of Doug Sahm's "Crossroads." The group continually sound loose yet strong and unified throughout, and their chemistry is undeniable and electrifying. ~ Paul Simpson, Rovi

1		Beneath Fields
2		Oriar
3		Sudden Lament
4		Untitled
5		Your Hollows
6		Faro
7		Rama
8		Crossroads

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