So you don’t know what Rune Husk is? But of course, it is the new Of Montreal EP! Oh, you want to know what that means? Well, then, you will have to ask Kevin Barnes, basically Of Montreal, music-wise, and lyrics-wise. He surely knows what he meant, I just don’t know whether he’ll want to tell you or let you make guesses. Most probably the latter.
It has been 20 years now that OF Montreal are on the scene. They started out as part of then budding Elephant 6 collective, rarely mentioned these days. Most of the key players of the collective are either gone (Olivia Tremor Control), missing in action (Elf Power), or people barely remember anymore (The Marbles anyone?).
Barnes and Of Montreal are still around, and seemingly going strong. Maybe this unannounced EP is kind of a celebration of the 20 years on the scene. But deciphering that is like deciphering some of Kevin’s lyrics.
Most of what Barnes came up with, and that is 19 albums (basically one every year) and who knows how many EP’s and singles is stellar. The key for such a long stay is that the flukes were few and far between and that he rarely repeats himself, while you can always recognize his musical and lyrical touch.
No exception here. Putting his often recognizable vaudeville-style tendencies, Barnes stresses the harmony (always there), melody, and this time more pronounced electronics. The don’t dominate through.
And then there are those lyrics. Cryptic, as usual. Try this for size from the lead track “Interline Larks”:
When we met in the kitchen it was like kissing a statueThen I knew that I could be a lesser PygmalionAlthough the dream was sad it was nice to see you againIn a way, before we were close enough to be enemies, my friend
Murdered like a propMurdered like a prop again
And he does not let up musically or lyrically through all four songs on “Rune Husk”. I put this one close by, it will be played a lot.
Oh, by the way, if you get in touch with Kevin and he does tell you what Rune Husk is, please let me know.
