On the latest installment of Nathan McLaughlin’s wonderful Planets series, he brings Andrew Weathers into the fold. The two compositions on Mercury are lithe and free, existing mostly in the ephemeral sense even if they leave a silver dusting across your skin. “I” pairs McLaughlin’s unhurried guitar plucks with Weather’s droning, solemn mountain dulcimer tones and august tape reels. The piece is timeless. With “II,” the duo continues the push but finds connection skyward as crystalline water droplets reflecting simple lives going about their business below. McLaughlin’s guitar playing is especially poignant as multiple threads weave adoration and appreciation for those who have dedicated their days to laying the roots below.
