By Molly Tursi
Staff Writer
An infinity positions itself as an incomprehensible metric of time, spanning from the naissance of the universe until the indeterminable end. What we know has resulted from the continuing stretch of infinity is that earthly matter, with time, grows all life forms and everything within. Double that and you’ll find an extension of infinity, not only in time, but of space. Time and space are of immovable presence, and a double infinity does not desist.
This is the crux of what Indie Folk band Big Thief poeticizes in their sixth studio album “Double Infinity,” released on Sept. 5.
Founded in 2015 by Adrianne Lenker and Buck Meek, Big Thief has transformed through their infinity as not only a band, but as a creative family. Owing to their nuanced approach to creating music that reflects the natural ebb and flow of life, the band has navigated the upheavals of time and interpersonal relationships that have formed the nucleus of the group.
As of July 2024, their solidity as a band was tested by the departure of founding bassist Max Oleartchik. Despite his integral role in Big Thief’s distinctive sound, standing members Lenker, Meek and James Krivchenia have proved that they can continue to evolve as a trio.
As a testament to the band’s commitment to creating music that renews with time, “Double Infinity” manifests as Big Thief’s most courageous sound yet. Unique from the rest of their oeuvre, the band ushers in exterior artists whose lent creativity congeals into a sound larger than Big Thief as a sonic entity.
In conversation with Jasper Leijdens for 3voor12, Lenker remarked, “It’s incredible to play in real time and hear like, twelve layers. And hear something Laraaji is playing and something the ladies are singing and something Mikey is doing on a tape loop and be playing the song, and you’re already in this world.”
“Double Infinity” boasts nine tracks, beginning with the song “Incomprehensible.”
Released as a single in early June, the song opens the album with the recurring theme of the passage of time and lamenting a younger self. Throughout the remaining tracks, Lenker’s wavering vocals convey a stilted melancholy as she sings of the transience of youth, indissoluble love and mortality. The twinkling musicality and thumping rhythm produce a gently metallic overtone, making the bed for Lenker’s ruminative lyricism to land on.
Arranged deliberately, “Double Infinity” steadily paces itself, insisting that the album be listened to in its entirety. Each song bolsters the next, depending on listeners to contemplate the sentiment of infinity and the ubiquitous experience that accompanies it.
Notable tracks include “Los Angeles,” “All Night All Day,” “Double Infinity,” and “Grandmother,” welcoming the sound of new age musician Laraaji. The album draws to a close with “How Could I Have Known,” a poignant eulogy of a lost love.
Big Thief’s greatest strength present in “Double Infinity” is the creation of an album that will only reach a select number of people, but has the objective to resonate with the masses. As Meek told 3voor12, “The world needs people to make music that they want to hear. I think we’re just trying to make music that we can’t find in the world.”
By virtue of “Double Infinity,” Big Thief reminds us that music is their world, and as the world ebbs and flows, their music will too.
