For Sean Carey, known to most as the drummer and backing vocalist to Eau Claire’s Bon Iver, the most important element of his latest work has been patience. After releasing his first full-length album in 2010 and an EP in 2012, S. Carey has spent the last two years serenely writing and recording in Justin Vernon’s April Base Studios. The product of this slow and steady work, Range of Light, is set to release on April 1.
Listening to “Fire-scene,” a song off the new album, one hears the tranquil energy reminiscent of Bon Iver buzzing subtly under the surface. Starting with guitar and piano and slowly adding layers of percussion and backing vocals, the track features a steady build that persists until it concludes in a rich, atmospheric swell. An ode to quiet beauty, the song recalls images of peaceful wilderness often missing from the lives of city dwellers.