Like Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago, Volcano Choir’s
Unmap is best listened to in isolation. Bon Iver frontman Justin
Vernon’s side project with members of Wisconsin’s Collections of
Colonies of Bees results in a bunch of stark, loopy, synthed-out
tracks. Like Vernon’s other work, the album is a masterpiece of layered
vocals. His warm, heart-wrenching falsetto rings out in harmonic
choruses. Unlike Bon Iver, Volcano Choir’s music follows no pattern or
tempo and isn’t dominated by guitar. The cool, oddball “Island, Is” is
the most accessible track, with looped beats and melodies that circle
around Vernon’s howls. On the other hand, “Youlogy” is a freakily
beautiful song with a melody resembling “Amazing Grace” and jarring
gong hits (take heed when driving — they sound like beeping
horns). “Still” is a fleshed-out version of Bon Iver’s “Woods” that
builds to an immense buzz and gently fizzes out. Unmap puts an
eerie, unexpected twist on songs ranging from ambient to acoustic. Just
don’t throw a party to this music. It’s a headphones album. —
Sills
This article appears in Sep 23-29, 2009.
