This Empty Northern Hemisphere

Released in 2009, This Empty Northern Hemisphere is the breakthrough second full-length album from South African-born, Colorado-based singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov. Self-released on his own Suitcase Town Music label, the album solidified Isakov's reputation as a master of 'cinematic folk.' The record is notable for its collaboration with Brandi Carlile, whose distinctive harmonies appear on five tracks, most notably the title song and 'Virginia May.' Sonically, the album moves away from the starker minimalism of his debut, incorporating more complex chamber-folk arrangements including cello, pedal steel, and subtle electronic textures. The songwriting is heavily influenced by Isakov's background in horticulture and his life on a farm, utilizing naturalistic imagery to explore themes of distance, travel, and emotional isolation. It includes a celebrated cover of Leonard Cohen's 'One of Us Cannot Be Wrong,' which Isakov reimagines with a haunting, hushed intensity that fits perfectly into the album's nocturnal arc. Critics have praised the album for its impeccable production, which balances 'bedroom' intimacy with grand, sweeping atmospheres.