With Canadian neofolk trio, MUSK OX, preparing to unveil their long-awaited new full-length, Woodfall, next week, The Onion’s A.V. Club is pleased to bring listeners fourth movement, “Part 4 – Above the Clouds.”
Notes the esteemed publication, “MUSK OX‘s upcoming full-length, carries an elegant, chamber-folk air that manages to be earthy and ethereal at the same time. On ‘Above The Clouds,’ which is being debuted here, guitarist and leader Nathanael Larochette and company craft a mini-epic of dusky beauty that saws one second and soothes the next.”
Rise above the clouds, at THIS LOCATION.
And if you missed it, you can still savor the lush tones of “Part 3 – Arcanum,” courtesy of Pitchfork at THIS LOCATION.
Formed by classical guitarist Nathanael Larochette, MUSK OX expertly blends the lush acoustic textures of neofolk with the expansiveness of post rock, the intricacies of progressive rock, and the emotional weight of metal. As such, Woodfall is a one-hour, five-part progressive chamber folk epic for classical guitar, cello, and violin which sees MUSK OX push their sound to soaring new heights. Expressing the essence of Canada’s vast, magnificent landscapes through sound, MUSK OX is a forlorn journey through natural realms where darkness and light, substance and void, sorrow and joy, exist as a single entity. Gushes Pitchfork, “Whatever it may lack in heavy metal thunder or ravishing grimness, MUSK OX more than makes up for with its richness in atmosphere and emotion, created in tune with the natural world and its terrifying beauty. Joined by cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne and violinist Evan Runge, [founding guitarist Nathanaël] Larochette has sought to push MUSK OX‘s progressive-minded sound even further on the trio’s upcoming second album, Woodfall.” Adds Echoes And Dust, “Woodfall has moments of sadness and joy but can also be rather intense in parts. It also has a quite modern sound which is rare when listening to music of this genre.”
Woodfall will be released independently on June 17th, 2014.
“Now an instrumental trio that includes violin and cello, MUSK OX expertly combines the subtlety of Arvo Pärt with the tension and drive of Clint Mansell. Woodfall is a grand and panoramic sophomore effort that offers the warmth and maturity only hinted at on the debut.” – Don Anderson (Agalloch, Sculptured)
“MUSK OX‘s most ambitious offering to date; rich in harmony, expression, and most notably, the nuanced finesse of Nathanael Larochette’s classical guitar stylings. Much like the nature that I imagine has inspired it, Woodfall evokes a sense of calm, stillness, and simplicity, while at once flowing forward and in constant motion.” – Kevin Hufnagel (Dysrythmia, Gorguts, Vaura)
http://muskoxofficial.bandcamp.com
http://www.facebook.com/muskoxofficial
Also featuring members of MUSK OX:
The Night Watch – cinematic instrumental/progressive/violin metal
http://thenightwatch.bandcamp.com
The Visit – ethereal cello/vocal duo
http://thevisit1.bandcamp.com