Black Foliage: Animation Music By The Olivia Tremor Control CD

Olivia Tremor Control's debut DUSK AT CUBIST CASTLE alternated between pop-psych gems and all-out experimental weirdness, and it helped put the Elephant 6 collective on the map. The follow-up BLACK FOLIAGE ups the ante by successfully merging those two elements. Thus, we have swirling, REVOLVER-ish songcraft seamlessly meshed with all manner of musical arcana and effects. BLACK FOLIAGE is notable both for OTC's pop mastery and for the group's skill at sound manipulation. It's a landmark of modern psychedelia and arguably the SGT. PEPPER of the Elephant 6 universe.

Reissue Of 2nd Album From 1999

The Olivia Tremor Control: Bill Doss, Peter Erchick, John Fernandes, Eric Harris, William Hart.

Additional personnel: Kevin Barnes, Bryan Helium (vocals, acoustic guitar); Robert Schneider (vocals, guitar); Julian Koster (vocals, banjo, accordion, organ, saw); Jeff Mangum (vocals, melodica, percussion, sound effects); John D'Azzo, Laura Carter (vocals, percussion); Andrew Reiger, Robbee Cucchiaro, Jennifer Oliff, Erin Rodriguez (vocals); Eric Ledford (cello); Scott Spillane (trumpet, bugle, euphonium); Kirk Pleasant (trombone); Josh McKay (vibraphone); Kai Reidel (xylophone); Jeremy Barnes (percussion); Christopher Hart.

Spin (4/99, pp.166-167) - 7 (out of 10) - "...the lyrics are loopily discursive...while the flat out gorgeous arrangements are straight outta [Sgt.] Pepperland..."
Entertainment Weekly (3/26/99, p.87) - "...It's a sonic wonderland, and the jump-cut delirium is transporting..." Rating B+"
CMJ (3/15/99, p.3) - "...warm, lilting harmonies and fleeting pop melodies draw the listener in before the group shifts into a whimsical smatter of accordions, pianos and ghostly Theremin..."
Melody Maker (4/3/99, p.36) - 4 stars (out of 5) - "...don't run anywhere, because BLACK FOLIAGE is very good indeed..."
Mojo (Publisher) (4/99, p.102) - "...transcends its lo-fi, home studio production with excellent editing, slow accretion...planned accident, and - the acid test for any psych group - convincing vocals..."
NME (Magazine) (4/10/99, p.31) - "...OTC temper their excursions into avant-garde noisemaking with a loving propensity for melting harmonies and sunny pop..."