“Making friends with the unknown… All my songs are about this,” says Lenker “If the nature of life is change and impermanence, I’d rather be uncomfortably awake in that truth than lost in denial.” Every song here casts a shadow, and the direction of this shadow reflects its light source. There is a darkness here, but it’s not one to be feared. Names of mystery women appear, then disappear. Characters and scenery interact outside of time. The completed palette feels classic, upfront and honest, with an occasional, welcome glimpse into the magic box. A careful New Age sprinkle of mystical textures and stabs was added and kept in the mix only when all agreed that each element had become absolutely crucial to the tune. Others were explored in search of perfected moments of dynamic feedback and spiritual, rhythmic togetherness. Some songs were written only hours before recording and stretched out instantly, first take, vocals and all. Having already lived these songs on tour, they were relaxed and ready to experiment. In a large cabin-like room, the band set up their gear to track live with engineer Dom Monks and producer Andrew Sarlo, who was also behind their previous albums. was recorded in rural western Washington at Bear Creek Studios. They have soundtracked crowded restaurants, difficult conversations, cowboy bars, yoga classes, night drives, and lonely bedrooms.
Their first two back-to-back releases, Masterpiece (2016) and Capacity (2017), have been analyzed, wept to, danced to, critically applauded, imitated, hummed idly, and shouted out loud. Their songs represent an emotional bravery and realness that weaves intimate relationships with the listener, a phenomenon that has made them one of the most widely-respected bands of the current era. Adrianne Lenker (guitar, vocals), Buck Meek (guitar), Max Oleartchik (bass), and James Krivchenia (drums) have spent the last 4 years on an incessant world tour, winning the devotion of an enthusiastic and rapidly expanding audience.
Today, they share the first single, “UFOF,” and announce 2019 North American tour dates. U.F.O.F., F standing for ‘Friend’, is the name of the highly anticipated third record by Big Thief, set to be released by 4AD on May 3rd.