na: plants and animals
There’s an EP that just went up by a trio called Plants and Animals titled with/avec that’s begging for your attention. Four breezy songs — each with parts so distinct that they might more accurately be tabulated as eight — delicate and gorgeous, muted and serene, that have had me transfixed the past couple of weeks. There’s definitely a Radiohead quality to with/avec — not in ambition, but in the overwhelming sense of resignation, regret and seriousness. It’s very much a fall record, the opening track “Lola Who?” mirroring the inevitable showering of leaves and life, the second part, a sudden and introspective eruption that avalanches in a sly crescendo, a burst of color and vibrancy, so affirmative. The tenor vocals are primarily hushed, the guitars sometimes acoustic, sometimes electric but always clean, the drums leaning heavily on a loosened snare head, little cavalcades and tumbles. There are moments of explosion (”Faerie Dance” in particular), and these are well-plotted, unexpected twists that unwind and rewind into satisfying denouements.
See also: they played in Iceland last week, and Joe reports that they were the talk of the town.
See also: Plants and Animals are on Secret City, the same label as Patrick Watson and Miracle Fortress (both 17 Dots approved).
I was hoping this band would show up here. I had never heard of them, but saw them open for Wolf Parade and was very impressed. I’m psyched to check this out when my d/ls refresh.
Oh this is absolutely fantastic! Almost jam band-ish — but in a good way. Thanks!
I knew you would love this, flamgirlant. I almost called you out by name in the post. Glad you like!
Ha! Thanks for thinking of me Yancey. I checked their labelmates out as well - why haven’t you insisted that I hear Patrick Watson? “Luscious Life” reminds of Jeff Buckley - but with a bushy beard. Consider that fancy tickeled!!
Miracle Fortress didn’t bowl me over in quite the same way as the other two. Although, one of ‘em apparently has been “had by a girl in Wisconsin”. Being a girl from Wisconsin, I’m happy to hear the experience was significant enough for it to make it into a song. Yay Wisconsin girls!
that’s a pretty little song, that Wisconsin one…Next Train. listen again, that record is great, too. and gets better every listen.