Caribou: Swim (Merge, 4/20/10)
Caribou: “Bowls”
[audio:http://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Caribou_Bowls.mp3|titles=Caribou: “Bowls”]
One of the bigger names under the “folktronica” umbrella, Dan Snaith has combined dense arrangements with dance elements and 1960s- and indie-pop vocals for his 10-year career as Manitoba and Caribou. On stage, the diverse material has been visually and aurally recreated by projections and a live band, with Snaith behind a drum kit, computer, synth, or bass.
Swim is Snaith’s third full-length as Caribou, and it accentuates the dance elements while his vocals are “clubbed out” with echoing loops. Fans of his gentler and more-organic material may be put off, but it’s another bold new step in a twisting career.