Mount Eerie

Album Description

"Mount Eerie," released on January 21, 2003, is the fourth and final studio album by The Microphones, the brainchild of Phil Elverum. This 40-minute journey into slowcore and indie folk is a profound exploration of the cosmos and the self, wrapped in a sonic landscape that is as vast as it is intimate.

The album's title is a nod to Mount Erie near Anacortes, Washington, the hometown of Elverum, and serves as a metaphorical anchor for the themes of identity and the universe that permeate the record. "Mount Eerie" is a sonic journey through the cosmos, with tracks like "I. The Sun," "II. Solar System," and "III. Universe" painting a vivid auditory portrait of the heavens. The distant, foghorn-like drones and modulated raw tape noise create a sense of vastness, while the pounding rhythms and volcanic roars bring a raw, primal energy to the proceedings.

Elverum's decision to release "Mount Eerie" under The Microphones moniker marked the end of an era, as he would subsequently adopt the album's title as the name for his next project. This album is a testament to Elverum's growth as an artist, building on the themes of his previous releases and solidifying his unique place in the indie folk and slowcore genres.

"Mount Eerie" is a captivating exploration of the universe and the self, wrapped in a sonic landscape that is both intimate and vast. It's a fitting swan song for The Microphones and a compelling introduction to the world of Phil Elverum.

21 januari 2003

(P) 2003 Phil Elvrum BMI

About The Microphones

The Microphones, helmed by the enigmatic Phil Elverum, emerged from the vibrant music scene of Olympia, Washington, in 1996. This indie folk and indie rock project is renowned for its intimate, lo-fi sound and introspective lyrics, which have captivated fans for decades. Elverum's principal project, The Microphones, released a series of influential albums, including the critically acclaimed "The Glow Pt. 2," before taking a hiatus in 2003. However, the project has seen several revivals, with Elverum revisiting and reinterpreting his earlier work, most notably in 2020. Throughout its various iterations, The Microphones has maintained a dedicated following, drawn to its experimental instrumentation and Elverum's deeply personal songwriting. The Microphones' discography is a testament to Elverum's enduring creativity and his unique place in the indie music landscape.