Big Thief – U.F.O.F.

Vinyl LP pressing.

U.F.O.F. is the highly anticipated third record by Big Thief and their first on 4AD. U.F.O.F. was recorded in rural western Washington at Bear Creek Studios.

In a large cabin-like room, the band set up their gear to track live with engineer Dom Monks and producer Andrew Sarlo, who was also behind their previous albums. Having already lived these songs on tour, they were relaxed and ready to experiment. The raw material came quickly. Some songs were written only hours before recording and stretched out instantly, first take, vocals and all. Others were explored in search of perfected moments of dynamic feedback and spiritual, rhythmic togetherness.

A careful New Age sprinkle of mystical textures and stabs was added and kept in the mix only when all agreed that each element had become absolutely crucial to the tune. The completed palette feels classic, upfront and honest, with an occasional, welcome glimpse into the magic box. “Making friends with the unknown… All my songs are about this,” says Adrianne Lenker (guitar, vocals). “If the nature of life is change and impermanence, I'd rather be uncomfortably awake in that truth than lost in denial.”