The ace violinist-self sampler-arranger has been so busy supporting other acts, most notably Arcade Fire, anticipation has grown keen surrounding this album by the former Final Fantasy. Art-rock hero Brian Eno took note of 2010's Heartland and volunteered some backup work on this one. With fewer exhilarating string flourishes and more synthesizer, In Conflict could be a test for Pallett's fans. It also may be his most personal. On "The Sky Behind the Flag," he cries "Why can't I lose control?" Being childless in his 30s is a concern of "The Riverbed," following a rhythmic salvo likely to disrupt any navel-gazing languor. Meeting expectations or not, Pallett always seems capable of surpassing them.
