With each new single from Carson McHone’s forthcoming album Pentimento, a new element of the project’s staggering scope comes to light. Today, with the release of the McHone-directed video for “Idiom,” a new layer reveals itself: the first blush of the project that will premiere at the In the Soil Arts Festival in St. Catherines, Ontario next month. The video, filmed by Daniel Romano during a workshop session for the larger project, features a dance routine from choreographer Allie Blumas, with lighting by theatre director Deanna Jones. Listen to “Idiom” wherever you stream music, and reserve your copy of Pentimento on CD or LP from the Merge store.

Illustrated by the delicate, starkly-lit articulation of Blumas’ body,  “Idiom” is at once an intimate, interior epic and a striking example of the sweeping soundscapes McHone and her collaborators are able to call into being, a folk song dappled by turns towards chamber pop and rushes of stirring harmony. 

What critics are saying about Pentimento:

"Multi-layered, career-defining fourth." —Uncut Album of the Month (9/10)

“Pentimento sees McHone fearlessly blending diverse influences – from guitar rock to pastoral folk, poetry, and field recordings – into a rich tapestry of sound.” —KLOF Mag

“[McHone’s] dignified voice and Romano’s slicing, dicing guitar continue to sound great together, the bass really grooves … and the tambourine/handclaps situation here is first rate.” —Stereogum

“Dreamy, sneakily groovy.” —Paste Magazine

In addition to the song, McHone recently announced a string of US and Canadian tour dates with Daniel Romano’s Outfit following the September 12 premiere of Pentimento. Tickets for all dates are on sale now.

Carson McHone on tour:
Aug 14 Trondheim, NO – Moskus
Aug 15 Ringebu, NO – Arnemoen Gard
Aug 16 Lidköping, SE – Bustad Brewing
Aug 17 Lund, SE – Merjeriet*
Aug 19 Drammen, NO – Kulturhus 
Aug 20 Bergen, NO – Statraden
Aug 22 Vangen, NO – Haugesund Festival 
Aug 23 Stockholm, SE – Stockholm Roots 
Sep 12 St. Catherines, ON – In the Soil Arts Festival (Pentimento performance & listening party)
Sep 15 Regina, SK – The Exchange
Sep 16 Winnipeg, MB – Sidestage
Sep 18 Milwaukee, WI – Cactus Club
Sep 19 St. Louis, MO – The Old Rock House
Sep 21 Chicago, IL – Sleeping Village