Big Thief’s ‘Capacity’ unveils complexity of intimacy

Carina Vo/Contributing Writer

Photo albums are usually meant to preserve the good – blurred polaroids of early birthdays, pictures of the first family dog, semi-faded images of a college graduation. Yet Big Thief’s latest, titled “Capacity,” is a sepia-toned filmstrip that chronicles less nostalgia-worthy moments.

The album was released on June 9 via Saddle Creek Records. Big Thief- made up of singer-guitarist Adrianne Lenker, guitarist Buck Meek, bassist Max Oleartchik and drummer James Krivchenia – has been based in Brooklyn, New York since it started in 2015 and made its full-length debut with “Masterpiece” in 2016.

“Masterpiece” propelled the four-piece to emo folk fame. It’s a genre that, like its folk roots, is more simplistic than technical.

Lack of complexity, however, doesn’t equate to lack of interest. With its slow, burning brand of rock, Big Thief’s appeal is to the heart.

The band’s tragic narratives and contemplative melodies are what carry “Capacity.” The album finds a delicate balance of romanticism and realism, exploring the overlap – or lack thereof – among the realms of womanhood, motherhood and loverhood.

Sonically, none of “Capacity” is overproduced. Lenker sings of death and near-death over soft, semi-sweet guitars and laidback rhythms. Her velvety voice is a trademark of the band, floating between breathy highs and more guttural lows.

Rougher sounds are a rarity on the album, strategically reserved for key moments like the title track itself.

The album’s energetic peak actually lies mid-way through the album. The unusual urgency of “Great White Shark” ends with a burst of cymbal-laden abandon. Here, Oleartchik delivers the strongest bass performance on the album.

It’s Big Thief’s lyricism that is far more honest and even jarring at times. The album’s second song, “Shark Smile,” sounds deceptively dulcet as it tells of lovers on a doomed road trip.

The most climactic moments of these tracks are simply raised vocals or the brief appearance of a sharp-edged guitar– there is no exaggeration of energy.

“Their drums make the music feel warm and like they’re playing in the same room I’m in,” said Gabriel Videa, a political science major at FIU, after listening to the track. “It just sounded like two people trying to get together, not crashing a car.”

Lenker’s talent for writing is undeniable – everything she sings, whether gruesome or glorified, is a piece of poetry. Throughout the album, she draws inspiration from memories (“Mythological Beauty”) and mythology (“Great White Shark”).

She also weaves messages of intimacy and love throughout the album, addressing the bad and the beautiful. The album’s opener ,“Pretty Things,” finds solace in sex, while “Watering” bloodily remembers an assault.

“Capacity,” although seemingly simple at first, is a budding beauty that has more to offer with each play. Big Thief begs to be listened to, not just simply heard.

Photo retrieved from Flickr.

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