Volcano Choir
Unmap
Jagjaguwar

Volcano Choir are Wisconsinites Justin Vernon - a.k.a. Bon Iver, and Collections of Colonies of Bees members Jon Mueller, Chris Rosenau, Jim Schoenecker, Daniel Spack, and Thomas Wincek. Being long time friends, since touring together when Vernon was in a band called DeYarmond Edison. The song writing goes back to 2005, i.e. before Vernon recorded his successful debut For Emma, Forever Ago, but this album was recorded last November. The music of Volcano Choir is of course related to Bon Iver, especially with Vernon's characteristic voice floats in over the musical landscape.

Unmap is spellbinding music, and they claim influences ranging from David Sylvian and Steve Reich, to Mahalia Jackson and Tom Waits. This is music I feel couldn't have appeared anywhere, anytime else but right her, right now, at the ebb of the first decade of the 21st century. The 9 songs on Unmap are sort of gospel of our time. Spiritual, esoteric and otherworldly stuff. Mystical, yet earthbound. This is music for the instant future.

Great stuff. Gifted. Magical. Spirited. Beautiful. If you like Bon Iver, don't hesitate. Dig in for some map reading.

Copyright © 2009 Håvard Oppøyen