Convened as an experimental collaboration between Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and members from Collections Of Colonies Of Bees, Volcano Choir has slowly become an inventive force of sublimely crafted melodies and transcendent guitar riffs.
After releasing the well received yet unpredictable Unmap LP back in 2009, the Wisconsin six-piece have returned to deliver an effortless composition that swings between luscious substance and emotive surrealism.
The album explores themes of change, sadness and loss, and is a vulnerable collection offset by comforting anthems and alluring melodies.
Where Unmap was an unpolished journey of ambient blends, Repave is a more confident offering of choral shades and sacred rhythms that refines the urbane interplay of the partnership.
Opening with ‘Tiderays’ and the brilliant catharsis of ‘Acetate’, the album weaves its way through structures far removed from earlier efforts, and provides an exceptional array of splendidly opaque harmonies.
Inventive and balanced instrumentals perfectly compliment Vernon’s famously wounded vocals in ‘Comrade’, while fans of Coldplay and Julian Plenti will appreciate the delivery of ‘Byegone’ and its infusions of reverb.
The album’s midsection also deserves acclaim, with ‘Alaskans’ and ‘Dancepack’ expressing a majestic authenticity.
Attractive string patterns and idyllic melodies then polish ‘Keel’, while the delicate and graceful beauty of ‘Almanac’ expertly rounds the release.
So while the presence of Vernon will undoubtedly contribute to any success by Volcano Choir, Repave is much more than a side project. Rather, it’s a marvellous showpiece guaranteed to impress.
