It is morning in America, democracy has fallen, and we are in need of a new king. There are several pretenders to the throne out there, but none seem possessed with quite the ability to write lonesome guitar songs that we, as a newly monarchic nation, require. A man stands in the shadows; it is Joseph O’Connell, otherwise known as Elephant Micah. Whether he knows it just yet, he will be our king. Where In Our Woods is a new transmission from this future king, notable in part for its minimalism — a simple drum kit, a few stringed instruments, O’Connell’s indisputable voice. Will Oldham contributes vocal harmonies on a few songs. It’s out January 20 from the kindly record label Western Vinyl. It will find its way into our homes.
Over the course of nearly 14 years, O’Connell’s immutable future as grand overlord has been firmly established. One need only to consult 2010’s double release of Echoer’s Intent and Plays the Songs of the Bible Birds, or 2013’s release of Globe Rush Progressions to be firmly convinced of this. O’Connell’s facility with the acoustic guitar, with melody, with the surprising twist on a familiar arrangement is unparalleled in our modern era. Those who seek it may find it at this pre-order link. Those with pointer fingers to click might find company at the below-embedded SoundCloud player. Those with eyes to see might see O’Connell fully embodied at one of his few upcoming tour dates on the East Coast or gaze upon the preview video for the album, also embedded below.
Where In Our Woods tracklist:
01. By the Canal
02. No Underground
03. Albino Animals
04. Slow Time Vultures
05. Demise of the Bible Birds
06. Monarch Gardeners
07. Light Side
08. Rare Beliefs
Dates:
12.06.14 - Raleigh, NC - King’s*
12.07.14 - Washington, DC - DC9*
12.09.14 - Philadelphia, PA - Boot and Saddle*
12.11.14 - Brooklyn, NY - Rough Trade*
* Centro-Matic
• Elephant Micah: http://www.elephantmicah.com
• Western Vinyl: http://westernvinyl.com