Producer Stephen Wilkinson transcends the show Man vs. Wild. Wilkinson, otherwise known as Bibio, is the “vs.” He places himself between man and nature, and creates music that not only exercises this concept, but once again proves that there is plenty of music to be heard in every day life. This is shown best on his newest release, Vignetting the Compost, a 16 track album of truly original musicianship.
The album opens up with “Flesh Rots, Pip Sown,” which blends static folk guitar with ambient noises and effects. Great harmonies, light vocals in the background towards the end of the song, and seemingly so crisply old sounding that there is something futuristic about it. From the opening the album shows some range, but not to the extent some might hope. “Odd Paws” is a more rockabilly sounding riff, like Deliverance meets Joanna Newsom, without any of the rape. “Weekend Wildfire” is a clever piece that uses natural sounds perfectly in sync with an exciting, happily flowing guitar. A song to put a smile on your face. “The Ephemeral Bluebell” uses one of my favorite effects, reversing guitar, to give it a very wavy, almost violin-like sound.
There is no doubt that Vignetting the Compost is a well thought out, amazing album for fans of gorgeously written music. The only beef to pick is the repetitive atmosphere the album harbors. Many of the songs are similar, which does set a good tone for the album, but does not keep you guessing, either. And it is not necessarily something that has not been done before. Vignetting the Compost is like if duo The Books tried out for American Idol. It’s innovative and uses natural noises, but it is a little toned down and carries more simplicity throughout the album. All together, Vignetting the Compost gets the job done, and is a work Bibio should have no problem calling his greatest. - Urb |
