Phil Elverum & Arrington de Dionyso – New Album & Video Release
Phil Elverum‘s “Giant Opening Mouth on the Ground” Features Lost Recordings with Arrington de dionyso
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Phil Elverum, the prolific artist behind Mount Eerie and The Microphones, has unearthed a treasure trove of forgotten recordings, resulting in his latest album, Giant Opening mouth on the Ground. This new collection features collaborations with longtime associate Arrington de Dionyso, showcasing Elverum’s distinctive vocalizations and de Dionyso’s unique sonic contributions.
A Decade in the Vault: The Genesis of Giant Opening Mouth on the Ground
The recordings that form Giant Opening Mouth on the Ground were originally captured a decade ago. Elverum, known for his experimental approach and deeply personal lyricism, had been working with de Dionyso, exploring new sonic territories.These sessions, however, were put aside and remained unreleased for ten years.
Rediscovery and Refinement
It wasn’t until December 2024 that Elverum revisited these tapes. He meticulously sifted through the material, ultimately shaping it into the six distinct tracks that comprise the album. The process involved careful mixing and editing to bring the raw recordings to life.
Mastering by JJ Golden
To ensure the highest quality sound, the album was sent to JJ Golden for mastering. Golden, a respected engineer based in Ventura, California, applied his expertise to polish the final product, bringing clarity and impact to Elverum’s vision.
A Longstanding Creative Partnership
The collaboration between Phil Elverum and Arrington de Dionyso is not a new one; their artistic paths have intersected for decades, yielding notable contributions to the independent music scene.
Early Connections: Tests and Old Time Relijun
De Dionyso’s presence can be traced back to The Microphones’ 1998 compilation, Tests. This early collaboration marked the beginning of a shared creative journey.Later, Elverum paid homage to de Dionyso’s band, Old Time Relijun, by including his cover of their song “Mystery Language” on the 2010 Mount Eerie compilation, Song islands, Vol. 2. Elverum also lent his talents as a producer and drummer to the parent album of that track, Witchcraft Rebellion.
Perhaps one of the most widely recognized moments of their connection came when Arrington de Dionyso uploaded a video of Phil Elverum performing a karaoke rendition of Lil Wayne and T-Pain’s “Got Money” to YouTube. This lighthearted moment offered a glimpse into Elverum’s playful side and further cemented their enduring friendship and mutual respect. The rediscovery and release of giant opening Mouth on the Ground offer a deeper dive into their collaborative spirit, showcasing a more introspective and experimental facet of their shared musical history.