Megafaun: New Album In Sept
By Team JamBase Jun 29, 2011 • 9:27 am PDT
Megafaun have confirmed the September 20 release of Megafaun, the follow-up to their critically acclaimed last full-length, Gather, Form & Fly (JamBase review). The album’s 14 tracks range from raw, unhurried rock and roll to cacophonous percussive blasts, from brassy instrumental free jazz to mournful delta blues. The band – Joe Westerlund and brothers Phillip and Bradley Cook – recorded the album late last year at April Base in Fall Creek, WI, the studio of former bandmate Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), and produced it themselves along with BJ Burton.
The album opens with “Real Slow,” a bold and emotional statement about the group and its roots. “It’s one of the anthems that define this record and maybe even our existence as a band,” explains Westerlund. “Rise up early / Seize the day,” they sing. “Take your time / Everyone knows / If it starts too fast / It’s gonna end real slow.”
In addition, Duke University recently commissioned Megafaun to create and perform “Sounds of the South,” a concert based on the rural folk songs collected by ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax during his early travels. The trio reimagined the music through their own brand of experimental Americana and collaborated with Richmond’s Fight the Big Bull avant-jazz ensemble, acclaimed songwriter Sharon Van Etten, and Vernon on the project, which was presented for three nights in Durham and again at Cincinnati’s MusicNOW Festival to raves.
Megafaun will tour extensively this fall with dates to be announced soon.
Megafaun Tour Dates :: Megafaun News
