Sean Carey’s biggest claim to fame at this point is his association with Bon Iver, who has, I don’t have to tell you, become a pretty big deal over the past few years. As drummer/multi-instrumentalist/backing vocalist in Justin Vernon’s band, he’s proven himself an indispensable, world-class sideman. But like many sidemen he’s not entirely content helping others realize their visions.
Carey’s 2010 LP, All We Grow, showed promise with its blending of smooth electronic ambience and soaring Beach Boy vocals. His new EP, Hoyas, out May 8 on Jagjaguwar, will see him refining that formula with a few unexpected twists, if the lovely new track “Two Angles” is any indication.
The track floats by remarkably quick, despite its 5-plus-minute runtime. It’s a little formless, but that’s clearly by design. Rather than relying on traditional structure, the song runs its course over three sections that, while not entirely distinct, shift dynamics subtly to create a change of mood. The first takes its time gliding in — establishing the beat and chord progression that will remain throughout. After the first verse, containing a meandering melody awash with faint vocal echoes and backward effects, many of the elements drop out leaving a pulsing skeleton on which Carey slowly adds a buzzy drone and bits of obscure guitar and horn phrases. This slowly builds as the original verse melody is repeated, bringing all the elements to a subtle crescendo. This is not to say that any of this draws much attention to itself. It’s a track that, in the best ambient tradition, is a purely relaxing experience that, if one chooses, offers many rewards to a close listen.