Astronomically speaking, the "supermoon" is the syzygy of the Earth-Moon-Sun system whereby the Moon is at its closest distance to Earth on its elliptical orbit. Astrologically speaking, the phenomena has a more poetic connotation, and one that has inspired Wisconsin artist and Bon Iver musician and backing vocalist S. Carey to record some of his most personal music to date. Recorded primarily during the eponymous lunar cycle in August 2014, the Supermoon EP consists largely of stark reworkings of a small selection of previous releases. We have “We Fell” and “In The Stream” from his debut album, All We Grow, and from the critically acclaimed Range of Light LP that was released last year, we are treated to reworkings of “Fire-Scene” and “Neverending Fountain”, two of the standout tracks from the album. These renditions are stripped-back, naked, bare, and show Carey at his most vulnerable, and the hold-it-by-the-edges fragility of his voice barely escapes a whisper as the sparse, accompanying piano arrangements linger softly on. His breathing is audible, there’s a gentle waver in his voice, and if you listen closely enough, you can even notice subtle vocal cracks that go unmasked. Music rarely gets as intimate as this. Alternate versions to previously released material aren't all that S. Carey has to offer with this release, despite the greatness those exude. We also have the title track, “Supermoon”, a new composition that follows the beautifully unadorned fashion of the aforementioned songs, and also the cover at the terminus of the EP that is arguably the highlight of the piece. Taking on Radiohead’s seminal album, The Bends, S. Carey’s harmonized vocal rendition of “Bullet Proof..I Wish I Was” is absolutely breathtaking, rounding out the release in spectacular form. S. Carey is currently on tour playing exclusively in living rooms across North America, so if you enjoy the sounds of this EP and would enjoy hearing his intimate music in an equally intimate setting, find tour dates on his website. Tickets have mostly sold out, so get in quick, and while you're there, pre-order the 12” vinyl which will be the only format for physical release. Conversely, you can be traditional and to iTunes to get the Supermoon EP digitally. Enjoy!
S. Carey