No strangers to a microphone and a set of headphones, Pat Chadwick and Leif Routman looked right at home when they stepped into KHOL on a mellow Friday afternoon. They’re getting prepped for the release of Inland Isle’s sophomore album “In Denial,” a record nearly five years in the making.
“Life gets in the way sometimes,” said Chadwick as to why the album has taken longer than expected.
“In Denial” will be released on Aug. 28 wherever you listen to music. The group calls themselves a “long-distance band,” as three of the members live in the Jackson area while guitarist Dusty Nichols resides in Boise, Idaho.
The opening track “Born Ahead” sets an inviting tone for the rest of the album, incrementally adding layers of the band from piano to horns, all leading to a crescendo of indie-folk sonic goodness. The song’s lyrics grapple with the feeling of dissatisfaction despite having all of one’s needs met.
Inland Isle’s writing process begins with Chadwick’s poignant songwriting. After Nichols fills in the blanks with his jangly, Wilco-esque electric guitar. Routman arranged trumpet and saxophone parts, in addition to contributing his signature driving basslines. Drummer Liam O’Neill comes in like a skilled carpenter to add a foundation for each song.
The extra time resulted in an acute attention to detail and a luscious final mix.“The studio is an opportunity to concoct a beautiful stew,” Routman said. ”You get the privilege to stop, leave it for a few months, come back, and revisit it.”.
“White Collar Breakdown,” released on July 24, lyrically centers around the egregious wealth inequalities in Teton County. The story follows a semi-fictional couple working as a lawyer and social media influencer in Jackson, whose lives begin to unravel as Artificial Intelligence takes control of their careers, identities and personal relationships.
While the messages are sometimes heavy, Chadwick adds a pinch of sugar to his medicine. Drawing inspiration from comedian-musicians like Tim Heidecker and Bo Burnham, Chadwick’s lyrics are at times tongue-in-cheek for their self-awareness but always rooted in the realities of our evolving digital landscape and the state of humanity.
The album’s title is even a mondegreen of the band’s name.
Other tunes like “Little Star” are upbeat and danceable, but maintain the same sense of humor and relevant social commentary. “Phases of the Moon” revolves around misinformation and “Fruitloops” waxes nostalgic for an innocent childhood.
“We’re punching above our weight for a valley of 20,000 in Wyoming, but at the same time there’s not like hundreds of people in all the kinds of scenes out here so if you’re chasing something a bit niche or outside the norm then you’re kind of on your own, you have to be self-guided,” said Routman about finding his way in the local music scene.
To celebrate the release of “In Denial,” the band will be performing a special release show in the lobby of the Pink Garter Theater in Jackson on Friday, Aug. 28. The event is presented by Tumbleweed Creative Arts with a $10 suggested donation. There are even rumors of the band’s signature cocktail “the Tootsie Pop” making an appearance.
After that, the music’s fate lies in the ears of the listener, said Chadwick.
“Honestly, I feel exhausted. I’m going to be happy when it’s done. You put so much into an album and it takes so much emotional energy,” said Chadwick. “It’s the end of a chapter of my life for sure, and I’ll be happy to put it to bed and just give it out to the world.”
Listen above for KHOL’s full conversation with Pat Chadwick and Leif Routman from Inland Isle.
Support for KHOL’s arts and cultural coverage comes from the Wyoming Arts Council.
This article has been corrected to note that full band will be playing at The Pink Garder Theatre. – Eds.
