Born from late evening improv sessions during a particularly snowy winter, Pallmer is a string duo who crafts songs that are both tender and honest. Using a cello and viola, their unconventional instrumentation allows their songs to slip between musical worlds and genres - embracing a grey area between folk, pop, and classical chamber music.
Emily Kennedy (cello, vocals) and Mark Kleyn (viola) had performed with each other in classical ensembles for several years before delving into their own writing, using loop pedals and effects to expand the possibilities of their wooden instruments. Their first show was a short, blush-filled set at a local cafe - since then, the duo have performed at some of New Brunswick's most acclaimed festivals, including Shivering Songs, Summer’s End Folk Festival, Flourish Festival, Festival 506, and Harvest Jazz and Blues.
Just before the pandemic brought the world to a standstill, Pallmer recorded 'Quiet Clapping;' a collection of five new songs with the help of audio engineer Corey Bonnevie (of Monopolized Records) in an old church-converted-to-arts-centre in Saint John, NB. They recorded the tracks in a large dance studio in the back of the building, taking advantage of its natural resonance, and embracing the occasional noises from old water heating. 'Quiet Clapping' won Recording of the Year at the 2021 Prix MNB Awards.
