Volcano Choir: The Ethereal Indie Rock Collective
Volcano Choir is an American indie rock and experimental folk collective formed as a collaborative project between Bon Iver's Justin Vernon and the Milwaukee-based instrumental band Collections of Colonies of Bees. The group is best known for their 2013 album Repave, which received widespread critical acclaim and charted on the US Billboard 200, marking a significant artistic evolution from their more abstract debut.
Early career
The origins of Volcano Choir trace back to 2005, predating Justin Vernon's rise to fame with Bon Iver. Vernon began exchanging musical ideas with multi-instrumentalists Chris Rosenau, Jon Mueller, Jim Schoenecker, and Daniel Spack of Collections of Colonies of Bees. This cross-state Wisconsin collaboration, initially conducted via mail, resulted in their first album, Unmap, released in 2009 on the Jagjaguwar label.
Unmap was a fragmented, exploratory work that deconstructed Vernon's vocal samples within the band's intricate, post-rock textures. The album established their foundational sound but was considered more of a cult curio than a mainstream release, arriving just as Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago was gaining massive traction.
Breakthrough
The collective's breakthrough arrived in 2013 with their sophomore album, Repave. This release represented a dramatic shift, moving from collage-like experiments to a focused, anthemic, and fully collaborative rock sound. Released again through Jagjaguwar, Repave debuted at number 47 on the US Billboard 200 chart, a significant commercial step forward that reflected the album's more immediate and emotionally resonant songwriting.
Key tracks
Byegone — This driving, crescendoing lead single from Repave served as the powerful announcement of the band's new, unified rock direction.
Comrade — A standout track that builds from a delicate piano and vocal melody into a soaring, cathartic finale, showcasing the band's dynamic range.
Almanac — Featured on Repave, this song highlights the intricate guitar work and rhythmic complexity that Collections of Colonies of Bees brought to the partnership.
Island, IS — From the debut Unmap, this track is built around a looping vocal sample from Bon Iver's Woods, illustrating the project's initial experimental methodology.
Following Repave, Volcano Choir maintained a sporadic activity pattern, largely due to Vernon's numerous other commitments. The band performed at notable festivals like Austin City Limits and delivered memorable live shows that expanded their studio arrangements. While no further albums have been released, the project remains a pivotal chapter in the narrative of Wisconsin's experimental music scene, demonstrating a successful fusion of distinct artistic voices.
Fans of Volcano Choir's textured and atmospheric indie rock often appreciate the work of similar artists. Explore Bon Iver for the evocative falsetto and songwriting core of the project. Listen to Collections of Colonies of Bees to hear the intricate instrumental foundation. The layered compositions of The National share a similar melancholic and anthemic quality. For another innovative Wisconsin-based collective, try All These Arms, which features former Volcano Choir member Jon Mueller.
The music of Volcano Choir maintains a steady presence on alternative rock radio stations and independent music radio stations that champion nuanced, album-oriented rock. Their songs, particularly from the Repave album, are frequently featured in programming blocks dedicated to modern indie folk and experimental rock sounds, connecting with listeners who seek depth and artistry.
You can hear the compelling discography of Volcano Choir, from the experimental Unmap to the anthemic Repave, on radio stations featured across our network. Discover this unique collaborative project and stream their music through the curated alternative and indie rock stations available on onairium.com.
