Beautiful. That one word that I probably use too much, but Volcano Choir are simply that. ‘Repave’ is only their second studio album but we’re given 8 crisp tracks that illustrate their musical depth and intensity. The band started with members from Collections of Colonies of Bees and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. By staying true to their original roots, Volcano Choir have formed a powerful ensemble that truly absorbs you. It’s been a busy year for Justin and yet you can hear the remarkable effort and skill trickle through each and every track; ‘Repave’ highlights these musicians at their highest peak so far.
The album opens with an organ humming low on ‘Tiderays’; slowly you’re introduced to an elegant acoustic guitar lead before Justin’s vocals deliver their harmony-layered performance. It’s a highly dynamic track and you’re given the highs and the lows while the instrumentation crescendos and diminuendos out. Second track ‘Acetate’ features two vocal hooks ‘I won’t beg for you on acetate’ and ‘shouting, sing it louder now’ these echo one another towards the end and it’s a great build up of vocals. The dry drum groove is also a highlight, there’s no need for complexity here.
Is it Bon Iver’s Best Work??
‘Comrade’ features complimentary ornamental lines, this track is more synthetic than the others though. The vocals sit more within the mix than above, it’s diverse but it doesn’t stick out as a favourite. ‘ByeGone’ sits next to ‘Comrade’ and the three note guitar riff propels the track forward but there are sparse moments that allow the vocals to breath, like the calm before the storm. There is an occurring theme with this album, they certainly like their dynamics and building up the layers, but it’s the slow build that makes this album special.
‘Alaskans’ has an eerie feel about it, you sense like you’re somewhere else. The vocals feature the lyric ‘repave’ again and again, nearing the end a voiceover (which has a muffled effect) sounds as if someone’s talking to you through shielded glass. You could technically be anywhere. The penultimate track ‘Keel’ also has a similar feel to ‘Alaskans’, it’s mysterious and slightly dark. ‘Dancepack’ is next after ‘Alaskans’ and shows Volcano Choir’s commercial side, it’s driving and you can imagine people swaying and singing along to this one!
The album finishes up on ‘Almanac’, Justin is known for his elegant vocal tone and diverse pitch and he puts on a superb display in this one! At 6 minutes long we’re not looking at a radio friendly tune but we are looking at a record with layer upon layer of delicately crafted guitar and vocal lines that spin off and merge into one another, a perfect ending. The album will be released on the 3rd of September through Jagjaguwar and the band have an upcoming US tour to follow, but I think it’s safe to say that us folk here in the UK are eager to watch Volcano Choir replicate their sound live too!
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