Number One is the first of a series of singles to be released by Terrible Records—the new joint venture by Grizzly Bear multi-instrumentalist Chris Taylor and Ethan Silverman of Lust Boys. The split 7” features “Ghosts,” the first release of Taylor’s own solo project, CANT, and “Come To Life,” an unreleased track by the brilliant and underrated late Arthur Russell.
“Ghosts” is a haunting and stripped-down composition featuring Taylor’s reverb-laden vocals over plodding bass, primal drum/tambourine hits, and floating surf guitar chords. While the song showcases the sort of ghostly vocal harmonies and sonic space we’ve come to expect from Grizzly Bear, “Ghosts” is clearly the work of a separate project, particularly during the anguished and rocking vocal stylings of the song’s climax. Known more as a supporting player, harmony singer, and behind-the-scenes producer, CANT shows Taylor to be as adept as a frontman and lead vocalist.
The Arthur Russell track is pleasant, but less intriguing, especially in comparison with the bulk of the experimentalist’s amazingly innovative and moving output. Taylor, who previously restored Russell’s work for Audika Records’s posthumous compilation Love Is Overtaking Me, mixed and edited “Come To Life,” a relaxed and acoustic softly sung duet between Russell and an unknown female singer. There is some tasteful found-sound percussion and great horn arrangements, but the piece isn’t particularly memorable. Still, it’s wonderful to see the work of the late NYC musician introduced to a new generation of listeners.
Number One is a great start to Terrible’s 7” series. If this split EP is any indication at all, we have a lot to look forward to from Terrible Records—not only the emergence of CANT as a new and exciting project, but also the reintroduction of brilliant and unfairly unknown artists into the ears of today’s indie music culture. |