In his 2017 book The Order of Time, Italian theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli draws on the thoughts of Saint Augustine to explore the paradox of experiencing music while being anchored in the present. Rovelli notes that our consciousness relies on memory and anticipation, allowing us to perceive a song as a unified experience despite its temporal nature. This concept of a liminal space resonates deeply in the latest album by Brooklyn indie-rock band Big Thief, titled Double Infinity.
The band describes the album title as representing the “purgatory created by the human brain,” a state of perpetual longing that exists between past losses and future desires, echoing themes of regret and yearning. Few contemporary lyricists articulate this emotional landscape as poignantly as Adrianne Lenker. Speaking from Mexico City alongside bandmate Buck Meek, Lenker reflects, “Without this idea of time, there”d be no grandmothers and grandfathers, or children.” She emphasizes how the perception of time shapes our understanding of life stages and experiences, intertwining love, loss, and the inevitability of death.
Lenker elaborates, “While you”re falling in love with someone, you”re also perceiving the end of that thing because of time.” This introspection highlights the duality of existence, the tension between the miraculous and the mundane. The music itself mirrors this dance, with Double Infinity featuring understated production techniques that evoke both groundedness and transcendence. The album”s soundscape oscillates between hypnotic rhythms and ethereal elements, including bursts of guitar and the ambient vocals of Laraaji.
Lenker describes the essence of rock “n” roll as a balance of solid and fluid elements, stating, “It just immediately makes me think about the bedrock of the earth, and the rolling of the waters.” This philosophy is reflected in the tools they use; both Lenker and Meek praise the craftsmanship of luthiers Aaron Huff and Flip Scipio. Lenker”s custom acoustic guitar, crafted by Huff, is designed for her unique playing style and holds a special significance, having been gifted to her during a solar eclipse.
Meek has his favorites among Huff”s creations, including guitars used for jazzier compositions. The duo”s connection to these instruments highlights the importance of friendship and shared experiences in their music. On Double Infinity, the guitar serves as a bridge for communication among ten musicians, fostering an environment where intuitive musical responses thrive. Meek notes the shift from academic improvisation to a more instinctual approach, influenced by watching Lenker”s natural songwriting process.
Their collaborative efforts aim to create a sonic landscape that captures a sense of connection and presence. The album”s rolling rhythms and fluid melodies invite listeners to engage with the moment, offering a reprieve from the constraints of past and future. Lenker states, “The thing that pushes me to keep making and playing music is that I run into my own limitations all the time.” She emphasizes the joy found in embracing a loose, open-ended creative process, where the experience of music takes precedence over rigid expectations.
In conclusion, Double Infinity stands as a testament to the complexities of time and emotion, inviting listeners to explore the profound connections that arise from the interplay of memory and anticipation.
