Big Red Machine

by Big Red Machine

Overview

Though the seeds of Big Red Machine were planted in 2008, when the National's Aaron Dessner sent Bon Iver's Justin Vernon an instrumental song sketch of the same name, the project's self-titled debut was compiled over the two years leading up to its release in August of 2018. It arrives after Bon Iver's surprising 22, A Million (2016), which saw the indie folk icon incorporating keyboards, samples, and manipulated sounds, and the National's Sleep Well Beast (2017), which also employed electronics as part of its expansive sonic scheme. Using dozens of instruments -- including guitars, programmed and live drums, strings, portable synthesizers, and sampling and looping devices -- Big Red Machine's off-kilter soundscape was designed by Dessner, with Vernon adding impressionistic lyrics and wide-ranging vocal lines. Among the album's numerous guests are prior National collaborators such as Arcade Fire's Richard Reed Parry, keyboardist Nick Lloyd, and drummer James McAlister, as well as the National's Bryan Devendorf. Other singers, brass players, and even a throat whistler are also in play in what are ultimately quietly dramatic tracks. The opener, "Deep Green," for instance, spotlights Vernon's cryptic remembrance with only skittering drums and electric guitar interjections in the foreground, while eerie backing vocals, keyboard instruments, and glitchy sound effects are recessed. Later, "Lyla" blends soul, hip-hop, rock, and indie electronica on a track that incorporates R2-D2-like blips as well as Rob Moose's violin and viola. (Phoebe Bridgers is among the background singers on the track.) "Hymnostic" is more anthemic and rousing, while "People Lullaby" is relatively sparse and circular by design. It may come as no surprise after listening that the songs were originally constructed as blueprints for improvised live performances with rotating collaborators at festivals in 2017; the songs have an organic, impromptu character to them, even despite the subtle and not-so-subtle intricacy of their arrangements. More a headphones-type album than a radio-friendly one, what emerges are still songs before compositions or productions, though they may appeal to the more explorative indie rockers. ~ Marcy Donelson

Product Details

Release Date:	08/31/2018
Label:	Jagjaguwar
UPC:	0656605233550

Tracks

1. Deep Green
2. Gratitude
3. Lyla
4. Air Stryp
5. Hymnostic
6. Forest Green
7. OMDB
8. People Lullaby
9. I Won't Run From It
10. Melt

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Big Red Machine   Primary Artist
Andrew Broder   Vocals
Aaron Dessner   Bass,Piano,Pedals,Mellotron,Bass Pedals,Drum Machine,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric),Guitar (Nashville)
Jan St. Werner   Electronics
Lisa Hannigan   Vocals
J.T. Bates   Drums
Rob Moose   Viola,Violin
James McAlister   Electronic Percussion
Andi Toma   Electronics
Bryan Devendorf   Drum Machine
Richard Reed Parry   Vocals
Justin Vernon   Vocals,Electronics,Guitar (Bass),Guitar (Baritone),Guitar (Electric)
Andrew Janns   Cello
Pauline DeLassus   Vocals
Steve Hassett   Vocals
Kate Stables   Vocals
Zoe Randell   Vocals
Monica Davis   Violin
Brad Cook   Ebo,Bass,Omnichord,Electronics
Camilla Staveley-Taylor   Vocals
Jessica Staveley-Taylor   Vocals
Emily Staveley-Taylor   Vocals
Phoebe Bridgers   Vocals
Ben Russell   Violin
Beth Meyers   Viola

Technical Credits

Tony Berg   Engineer
Aaron Dessner   Composer,Producer,Group Member
Bryce Dessner   Orchestration
Greg Calbi   Mastering
Rob Moose   Orchestration
Justin Vernon   Composer,Producer,Group Member,Electronic Devices
Jonathan Low   Producer,Mastering,Mixing,Engineer
Brad Cook   Producer
Chris Messina   Engineer,Producer