I forgot how good this album is. This was the album that introduced me to this band and ever since then I’ve been a fan. For me, Big Thief is one of the best indie/alternative acts of the last decade.

This whole album kept my attention when I gave it a listen recently. But I’ll give a special mention to the first three tracks. I love the more atmospheric and moody sound of Contact and UFOF. They are both great songs that set the mood for the album and let you know what’s to come. And then I love Cattails. I’m not sure it fits with the entire album since it is a bit catchier and more upbeat but it’s a great song and I find myself humming that one to myself a lot.

I’m not going to give specific examples but one thing I love about this band which i have noticed on a handful of songs is that they often use unexpected rhythms and cadences to keep things sounding fresh and interesting. Like sometimes they sound like they’re in a weird time signature but then I start counting and realized it’s just a cool layering of different 4/4 rhythms.

Also special mention to Adrianne Lenker. I’m not sure how much credit she should get for Big Thief’s success but her solo stuff is also excellent.

This band is the reason Spotify Wrapped this year thinks I’m from Burlington, US.