Music Review: Volcano Choir - "Island, IS"

So here it is, finally! Volcano Choir's debut single from their LP Unmap, which drops September 22. I was beside myself to hear the new track. For this project, Justin Vernon, known for his solo project Bon Iver, has collaborated with his favorite band, and fellow Wisconsinites Collections of Colonies of Bees.

The new single "Island, IS" changes everything we've known about Bon Iver. Beginning to lose his previous selling point, or ‘edge,’ that was synonymous to the solidarity of him recording an album confined to a cabin in the woods, it was starting to get a little worn out. I think we could all use a different approach. I believe that this new album will hit directly where it needs to and change all of our minds that he is still musically an amazing experimenter, as well as lyricist. It still however carries Justin's unmistakable falsetto, a little less cabin fever retorted however.

Introverted or extroverted, he has already begun to stake his claim, even after only one full-length album and an EP. His ballooning popularity seemed very contingent on his ever adored single "Skinny Love." I believe I am correct in commenting that we are all very relieved to see a different side. Emerging now with a solid ground to impede on, he has earned the right to change his ‘swagga’ and pull a project out of thin air and of course come chiming through with meteors of musical passion. He has come out of his heart cage and is spirited with the rest of the band; pulling together Four Tet-style loops with an amazing course of R&B style mumbling to cap off the vocals.

Pulling this project together doesn’t seem to have been an easy task. The crunching percussion, silted above loose clanging guitar sounds is, as always, followed with the classic heart-strung vocals provided by Mr.Vernon. "Island IS" is a new sound almost entirely for their genre. Unmap may prove to be a step in the wrong direction, or it may of course come out shining given Bon Iver’s very strong fan base.

Continued on the next page Page 1 — Page 2

Article tags

Spread the word
Bookmark and Share
Profile image for cindal-lee-heart

Article Author: Cindal Lee Heart

Cindal Lee Heart is a fresh-minded and passionate Music Journalist, concentrated on conducting some of the most diverse and informational artist interviews. She currently freelances for multiple publications including, City Pages (Village Voice), The Boston Herald, and The Boston Phoenix. …

Visit Cindal Lee Heart's author pageCindal Lee Heart's Blog

Read comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own
  • No image found
  • No image found
  • No image found

Article comments

Add your comment, speak your mind

Personal attacks are NOT allowed.
Please read our comment policy.
Please preview your comment.

blogcritics lists for May 19, 2013

fresh articles Most recent articles site-wide

fresh comments Most recent comments site-wide

most comments Most comments in 24hrs

top writers Most prolific Blogcritics for April

top commenters Most prolific Commenters in 24 hrs