“People are complicated, and I am no exception!” This was the crux of multi-instrumentalist Haley McCallum’s statement in regards to her latest album, Pleasureland—an expectation-bucking, all-instrumental release she felt moved to do after the success of 2016’s Impossible Dream. A composer, producer, writer, guitarist, keyboard player, pianist, teacher, and mother, McCallum—formerly known to the music world as Haley Bonar—decided to shine a light on other aspects of her artistry, leaving the power-pop and barbed, lyrical observations she has become known for, behind.
Stark, melodic, layered, and emotion-filled, Pleasureland feels like a step-out of time—a meditation—a moment taken for oneself to reflect. As you listen to the inherent beauty of her piano-based compositions, your own thoughts and interior world feel reflected back at you as you drift from track to track. “Credit Forever Part 1” serves as a brief intro, easing you into the digital-meets-organic soundscape McCallum has created—as computer glitch noises are molded in the style of the most cinematic-sounding strings.
“Give Yourself Away,” continues this mix, the retro-future synths mingling with her elegant piano playing in a way the most natural of ways—romantic, spacey, and restless. “Syrup” introduces guitar to the mix, the fuzzy distortion and bleeding edges evoking memory, nostalgia, and a physical and mental drift. “Credit Forever Part 2,” is graceful and tumbling, the music blossoms and flourishes in a way that feels like triumph, before distortion and reverb bring it back down to Earth.