For an album rooted in the mulch of Britain's flora and fauna,
Modern Nature's third LP is remarkably light and airy.
Island of Noise expands upon the U.K. combo's mesmeric collision of folk, jazz, and indie rock, which they pair here with an elaborate booklet of poems, essays, and artwork sourced from various unusual collaborators. Avant-garde guitarist and critic
Eugene Chadbourne and mycologist (one who studies fungi) Merlin Sheldrake are among the contributors to the album's physical presentation. There is also an accompanying film, should fans wish to experience every single aspect.
Musically,
Island of Noise has the meandering flow of a waterway, its horns and springy guitars expanding and contracting with the contours of its journey. Helmed by singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jack Cooper,
Modern Nature resembles a neat fusion of
Tortoise's rhythmic post-rock and
the Clientele's hushed romanticism. Vintage '60s and '70s U.K. folk-rock seems to be another touchstone, though this album benefits from a surprisingly clean and modern production aesthetic. Songs like "Performance" and "Masque" practically leap out of the speakers in their organic transparency and lack of obvious effects. Largely composed of clean electric guitar, drums, double bass, and horn improvisations, there is something of a jazz session feel to it, though Cooper's half-whispered incantations and gentle melodies flirt with indie pop.
As lovingly recorded and meditative as it is,
Island of Noise doesn't break much new ground for
Modern Nature. As their catalog grows, each subsequent piece feels like a continuation of the soothing but unassuming flow that is their bailiwick. This is a shame because Cooper's poetry is worthy of a greater spotlight. That said, there is much to enjoy within this latest chapter. ~ Timothy Monger