Big Red Machine is a collaborative effort between Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon and The National’s Aaron Dessner. In 2008, Aaron and Justin worked on a song called “Big Red Machine” together (for Dark Was The Night comp), and since then, they’ve fostered a 10-year old friendship that birthed this 10-tracker. Dessner notes: Big Red Machine is “simply part of a process and part of a community that is growing all the time. It’s a part of a friendship and a conversation. The songs will keep coming and keep changing.” Released on the two musicians’ new platform venture, PEOPLE, the album embodies the collective nature Dessner alludes to: musicians like Lisa Hannigan, The Staves, Brad Cook, JT Bates as well as other member of the National took part in the recording process. Musically, there is a lot of vocal layering, which in conjunction with the electronic-acoustic instrumentation render an eclectic, experimental sound. Check out “Hymnostic,” a piano-led ballad characterized by the distorted voices, or “Gratitude,” which is built on a sparse, glitchy drum beat and a simple, elegant guitar riff. Other highlights include “Forest Green,” “Deep Green,” and “Lyla.”

• gatefold, tip-on sleeve
• 180g vinyl
• folded poster w/ printed lyrics on backside
• includes download card
• music label: Jagjaguwar 2018

reviewed by rei kwondo 09/2018