If you haven't heard of Owen Pallett, you should add him to the list of musicians who are kind-of-like a big deal. The Canadian multi-instrumentalist, who formerly toured under the alias of Final Fantasy, must be doing something right, because every project he gets involved with is artistic gold, and we have little doubt his newly announced album will result in a similar outcome.
Pallett announced both his new album and a supporting tour on Thursday. In Conflict will be the performer's first solo release since 2010's Heartland and the Swedish Love Story EP. The album will drop on May 13, and it will feature numerous contributions from Brian Eno (playing synth and guitar, as well as contributing vocals). Pallett is noted for his own violin playing, but he'll get help on the symphonic front from the Czech FILMharmonic Orchestra.
Pallett has remained busy even in the time since his last release. He worked on the orchestral arrangements for Arcade Fire's Reflektor (heard of it?), as he is good friends with the band's lead couple, Win Butler and Régine Chassagne. Pallett is currently touring with Arcade Fire as well. That band received praise for its contributions to the Her soundtrack, but Pallett is also Oscar-nominated for his work on the film. He also participated in David Lang's Death Speaks, a beautiful reworking of Schubert lyrics.
Pallett has only listed eight tour dates so far, but hopefully more will be on the way. The announced dates are below:
05/13: Brooklyn, NY @ Glasslands
05/14: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
05/15: Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda's
05/17: Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
05/21: London, England @ Oval Space
05/23: Paris, France @ La Maroquinerie
05/25: Berlin, Germany @ Volksbhune
05/27: Lisbon, Portugal @ Lux
