S. Carey will likely always be known first as the drummer for Justin Vernon’s Bon Iver, a position he’s held since way back before Bon Iver blew up. But he has been crafting his own identity, albeit with a similar sound, and on the same label. Yet even if Hundred Acres reminds one of Bon Iver, it reminds of his best, earlier work.
Like Vernon once upon a time, Carey is very alone in his beautiful harmonies, way out in the woods. Pieces like opener “Rose Petals” and “Yellowstone” have soft, natural beauty in their wistful loss. The title track shows how to be more powerful by restraining oneself, especially when compared to the more ambitious songs before & after on Hundred Acres, “Emery” & “More I See”.
S. Carey has been making his own music long enough to stand on his own, but more important is the quality that carries.
