Relase date: September 12th, 2008.
Though Conifer has received quite a bit of critical praise they've somehow managed to live off the grid for the past six years. With Crown Fire Conifer is finally getting the exposure they deserve. Mixing post-rock, kraut-rock, metal and pschychedlia they have created this relentlessly driving and hypnotic masterpiece. Crown Fire's only vocals are from Oxbow's Eugene Robinson fronting the albums final 13 minute epic. LP version limited to 500 copies with 200 on color vinyl.
Conifer has been writing primarily instrumental music with a lawless take on the styles from which they've taken cue. New content is found by way of augmenting brutality and suspense with time. Conifer seems to reckon with the notions of bands like Enemymine, Mogwai, or Grails while taking an approach toward their music that's entirely meditative (as opposed to premeditated). Minimal, ethereal passages are narcotically lengthened and crescendos of distortion are sustained well beyond the boundaries adhered to by many of their peers. "Heavy" by way of being beat/repetition heavy in not only a Shellac/Helmet sense but in a way that is practically reminiscent of electronic discipline. Crushing riffs amidst the most ethereal, minimal moments.
Six years in, Conifer has emerged from their mind forest into the clearing that is the future and past. Band members have come and gone and come again. Crown Fire is the latest battle that Conifer has fought in the war of obtuse movement. Welcoming dense riffage washes over the listener for the first half of the record, referencing pan Asian themes and musical manifest destiny. The bombast that is their live show comes through loud and clear, intertwined with moments of delicate reflection. Without warning it all goes wrong, the mainframe explodes, the ships crash, the tide of despair and denial rises never to recede.
Hailing from the capital of the heavy state of Maine, Conifer has an extremely close relationship with fellow travellers Ocean. These two groups have shared a lot over the years including members, tour transportation, practice spaces and members of the two groups grew up together in rural costal towns. Though different in sound they're quite kindred in spirit and obviously Conifer is essential for anyone who loved Ocean's Here Where Nothing Grows.
THE PLAYERS:
Zachary E. Howard-baritone guitar
Nate Nadeau- Drums, percussion, Hammond, electronics
Sean K. Hadley- Bass, Melodica
Leif J. Sherman Curtis- Guitar, Xylophone
THE GUESTS:
Shannon Allen- Cello, Flute
Todd Hutchisen- Pedal Steel
Eugene Robinson- Vocals
TRACKLISTING:
Surface Fire
Cruciform Empennage
A History Of Dissapoinment
Song for Krom
Breathe Hold
Into the Gauntlet
Crown Fire
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