Volcano Choir - "Repave"

Artist: Volcano Choir

Album: Repave

Label: Jagjaguwar

Release Date: September 3rd, 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

Justin Vernon, better known as the mastermind behind Bon Iver, is a part of another experimental band called Volcano Choir. The group consists of Vernon on vocals and members of Wisconsin post-rock act Collections of Colonies of Bees. The sextet indie folk rockers have collaborated once again for the release of their sophomore record, “Repave.” This is not another Bon Iver album or Bon Iver revisited, but a few similarities do cross over. “Repave” is a lot more expansive than the music crafted in Bon Iver or Collections of Colonies of Bees. For only eight tracks, it runs short but despite inscrutable lyrics, the record shines most of the way. The record wavers between understated beauty and explosive stadium rock arena tracks. “Repave” doesn’t abandoned its experimental roots found on their debut record, but navigates through a more accessible listen than one may have been anticipating.

 There’s a feeling of hope and loss that surrounds the album. Where this is dark, light comes shining on. In “Alaskans,” the album’s half waypoint, this meditative song is pure storytelling. It’s a slow burn track and while not the best song off the record, it’s the most spiritual. Soft, tender, and sensitive, there are chills to be had. One of my favorite tracks is, “Dancepack,” the thundering, powerful, and hypnotic style of it is marvelously crafted. With the combination of Vernon’s incomparable vocal range (falsetto singing at its best) and the experience Collection of Colonies of Bees has in post-rock, the two together works majestically. In the track, “Comrade,” Vernon’s vocals glimmer with the tight and beautifully developed arrangements permitting the song to float on with uncompromising ease.

“Unmap,” the debut album, was dense and difficult to really get involved with. It took a lot more patience and several listens to sink into it. That’s not the case with “Repave.” There’s plenty to enjoy this time around that hits both somber and uplifting notes. About half way into the closing track, “Almanac,” Vernon just pulls you in tighter and closer than ever before. I’m not entirely sure what he always means with his skewed lyrics, but he can sure sell it with strong conviction. Volcano Choir seemingly started off as Vernon and company producing experimental tracks for the sake of being experimental. What once was merely a footnote in the Bon Iver era has now turned into a full-fledged band with equal passion and commitment. “Repave,” isn’t perfect but where it shines is something to marvel at least until the next Bon Iver record.  

Grade: 7.5 out of 10 Key Tracks: "Acetate," "Comrade," "Dancepak," "Almanac"

Published by Mountain Views News on September 21st, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n38/p14.htm