The Seasons Will Bend

Big Thief “UFOF”

The tone of “UFOF” is so ambiguous that its loveliest qualities feel vaguely uncomfortable and ominous. This unsettled feeling suits the lyrics, which are largely about mystery and miracles, and how much not fully understanding things allows for both humility and magic. Arianne Lenker’s voice falls somewhere between the elfin intonation of Joanna Newsom and the conspiratorial whispering of Blonde Redhead’s Kazu Makino, and her words render apocalyptic visions and romantic moments in vivid detail. It’s hard to get a read on her mood – she seems to find some beauty in chaos and a measure of terror in tenderness, and is intrigued by pretty much everything in between.

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