Our Ancient Friends by Ptarmigan
Themes of isolation and vulnerability in the songwriting are accompanied by imagery of exotic, desolate scenery. But that’s not to say this is an album of particular loneliness – instead – the sights and senses experienced in nature provide a comforting connection to all those before who’d seen the same sights and breathed the same air. “Barely standing by the north sea my ancient friends are all waking up” Walton writes in “Lord Who Built This House.”
The music on Our Ancient Friends sees influences from bands such as Grizzly Bear and “This is a Long Drive With Nothing To Think About”-era Modest Mouse. The album features inspired drumming from Carstensen, best documented on songs “Hydroelectric Power Commission: Fear Holds Us Back” and “Thylacine”.
The album was recorded in Columbia, MO at Centro Cellar Studios with Wil Reeves – a musician in bands: Bochman, Cabin Sessions and Penny Marvel.
- Lord Who Built This House
- Pleistocene
- Stars On Patrol
- Good Morning Holocene
- Valley Of Some Sort
- Eardrums Burst
- Hydroelectric Power Commission: Fear Holds Us Back
- Thylacine
- Le ‘Ospital
- Interloper
- Nights and Lights
For the moment, this album in it’s entirety can be physically acquired directly from the band. For more information, visit their website.