Sunn O))) - S/T (Opaque Blue Vinyl)

Sub Pop Records - SP1685X

Initial pressing DOUBLE LOSER LP on Opaque Blue vinyl

For nearly 30 years, Sunn O))) - Stephen O'Malley and Greg Anderson - have pushed the boundaries of heavy music, straddling the worlds of the avant-garde and rock to forge a style instantly recognisable as their own. Now, Sunn O))) return with their first album of new material since 2019's acclaimed Pyroclasts. Their tenth album - their debut for Sub Pop - demonstrates the duo's mastery of time and space, light and dark, and their willingness to evolve their unmistakable sound into bold new forms.

The eponymously titled Sunn O))) was tracked at Bear Creek Studios, Woodinville, Washington with Brad Wood (HuM, Tar, Sunny Day Real Estate, Liz Phair). This location proved crucial to the recording process. "The vast tracking room had big windows looking out on trees," says O'Malley. "We could go hiking and be out in the woods, spend time outdoors. That became a big part of it."

Sunn O))) have long welcomed collaborators into their self-contained world: past work has featured, Attila Csihar (Mayhem), composer Hildur Guðnadóttir, multi-instrumentalist Steve Moore, polymath Mark Deutrom, Silkworm's Tim Midyett and legendary singer-songwriter Scott Walker. But on this album O'Malley and Anderson found fresh possibilities in the primal territory of the duo format, performing all the instrumentation themselves. "What's been happening with our performances over the last couple years with the two of us and no other collaborators has been really fresh and exciting," says Anderson.

The compositions on Sunn O))) are expansive and panoramic yet finely detailed, reflecting the arboreal setting in which they were recorded. Amidst howling feedback and glacial crunch, one finds surprisingly delicate moments: a field recording of water trickles beneath, piano interludes lend a hushed, solemn feel. All while the duo attains fresh heights of telepathic intensity as they shape music that breathes the bracing, earthy air of the Pacific Northwest.

Framing the album visually are two paintings by the late American artist Mark Rothko. Liner notes are by award-winning British writer Robert Macfarlane, famed for his works concerning landscape and the relationship between humanity and nature. Through the work of the band, Macfarlane, and Rothko, sound, word and visual combine into a fully immersive experience that is undeniably, completely Sunn O))).

Side A:
XXANN

Side B:
Does Anyone Hear Like Venom?
Butch's Guns

Side C:
Mindrolling

Side D:
Everett Moses
Glory Black

• We are a small independent record store that's been selling new vinyl records in Melbourne, Australia since 2011
• All delivery orders are shipped with Australia Post and include tracking
• Flat rate of $8.95 for shipping, and free shipping for orders over $200!
• Pickup is availble from 461 High St Northcote. This is a free option during checkout
• We go to extreme lengths to make sure our customers are happy
• We use the best mailers available with lots of space for corner protection, and we make sure orders are packed tightly to avoid seam splits
• We ship almost all orders within 1 business day (excluding special or preorder products)
• If there are any issue with an order due to damage, delivery issues or faulty discs we cover all costs associated with replacing and/or returning items
• We're happy to give free expert advice about turntables and hi-fi including setup and playing issues
• If you want to get in touch, email info@thornburyrecords.com. If you would like to talk to us on the phone, send an email requesting a call back