Volcano Choir
Repave
4 stars
Ambient Rock
Justin Vernon is one busy artist. When not leading Bon Iver, he’s casually dropping vocals for Kanye West or producing esteemed albums on his own label, Chigliak Records. Vernon’s latest — and arguably most impressive — project is that of singer and lyricist for the experimental rock group Volcano Choir. The band’s second album, Repave, features Vernon’s signature melodious whimpers while also quietly declaring its own distinct electric ambiance.
Opener “Tiderays” comes to life through a soft synthesizer drown as Vernon spills out romantic ranges met by light acoustic guitar and simple drum beats. The song builds to an ambitious height just as it drops of to an eloquent, dismissive close.
Lead single “Byegone” displays elevating guitar melodies with an unexpected dramatic chorus and heavy drum echo. Fleeting jabs of synthesizer punctuate dense arrangements of careful loops along with Vernon’s pleasantly personal lyrics about smoking marijuana and setting sail to the “knights of the northern lodges.”
“Alaskans” provides a softer sound that consistently lurks just under the surface throughout the album. Light piano and guitar enhance the gentleness of Vernon’s vocals ironically paired with discomforting lyrics like “When you take it away do it slowly and easily. Make it as if I were dying in my sleep instead of my life. Amen.”
Volcano Choir’s Repave is a sharp and experimental mixture of both muted folk and rock. It encompasses just the right blend of shiny guitars, weird synthesizers and simply beautiful piano and vocal accompaniment. While the album has undeniable potential for success, it has been inevitably recognized for Vernon’s distinct musical ideas and talent. But who’s to say that’s a bad thing? If the sound ain’t broke, why fix it?
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