Biography

“We’re here then gone, gone, gone”. The bleak climax of Ola Sweet’s uncharacteristically epic tune “Ghosts RPT” hints at a story told in reverse – a journey that begins with conflict but ends in triumph via self-discovery and a little soul searching. On the band's latest album Carnation, JJ Martinsen and Brandon Wallace holed up over a long winter, crafting a collection of songs meant to explore deeper emotional states. The new songs began taking shape as larger, more open arrangements featuring analog synths, drum machines and murky lap steel à la “Sleepwalk With Me”. Carnation also marks a career high point in collaboration for Martinsen and Wallace, with contributions from Kai Welch (Laura Veirs, Jeffrey Martin) on several integral performances of vibraphone and Hammond organ. Dave Eggar (Fleet Foxes, Lykke Li, RJD2) arranged and recorded strings for the title track “Carnation” and grandiose standout “Ghosts RPT”. The bulk of the record was tracked and mixed at Wallace’s Luxetone Studios in Boise, ID, while “Caught in the Ceiling” and “Carnation” were mixed by Gus Seyffert (Dr Dog, Beck, Michael Kiwanuka, Roger Waters). Mastering was done by Dave Cooley (Tame Impala, Spoon, M83). The album plays out like colorful scenes in a film, with plenty of whimsical and melancholic moments tucked in along the journey. Even at its most cerebral and challenging, Carnation never strays far from dream pop – flaunting catchy hooks and melodies front and center.