AU, MODERNSTATE, GEOFF SOULE
(Valentine’s, 232 SW Ankeny) Au makes experimental folk-pop that’s known for its unconventional instrumentation and elusively stark beauty. Their forthcoming second album, Verbs (out June 26th), is an expansive, communal record, opening with “All My Friends/Are Animals,” a massed incantation that turns into a street carnival, with voices and handclaps clearing the way for fantastical, oversized floats. It then travels through Sufjan Stevens’ pep rally and the avant-garde minimalism of Ligeti before exploding for “RR vs. D,” in which Becky Dawson of Ah Holly Fam’ly providing sumptuous, angelic vocals atop joyous flamenco hand-claps. It’s a graceful, generous record, and it sounds like bandleader/multi-instrumentalist Luke Wyland decided to relinquish the spotlight to many of Portland’s best musicians. But the cohesion and focus of Verbs is undeniable, as is the sheer gorgeousness of the songs. Live, Au are a potent and exciting trio, with Mark Kaylor’s muted cymbals splashing all over Jonathan Sielaff’s clarinet and Wyland’s accordion. NL

MP3:
Au - rr vs. d