At the end of 2002, Phil Elverum decided to change his musical pseudonym from The Microphones to Mount Eerie. After 17 years, Elverum returns to the old moniker for a one-track, 45 minute album/ short film. As a disclaimer, I will confess that I am a massive fan of Phil’s work from both of his respected musical projects. I would also like to recommend the projects “Limbo” by Amine and “Last Year Was Weird, Vol.2” by Tkay Maidza that came out this month, but I would be lying if I did not say that Microphones in 2020 by The Microphones was my favorite album of August.
On this project, Phil returns with his wholly unique and creative blend of indie rock, drone, black metal, and ambient music. Microphones in 2020 begins with two chords bouncing back and forth on an acoustic guitar for 7 minutes. These chords persist for almost all of the 45 minute run time, but they take very different shapes and sizes. They are backed by raw drums, whirling synths, distorted bass, razor-sharp eclectic guitar fills, and sparse eerie piano. Phil’s style is not for all listeners as this mixing of genres can be too abrasive or even dull at times. However, if you are a fan of Phil’s work or are someone willing to listen to experimental music, this is one of his most beautiful, rewarding, and layered productions. A particular highlight is around the 26 minute mark where Phil layers multiple vocal tracks of him humming, ambient synth that swirls and bends, and soft acoustic arpeggios that nestle in your ear.
It is also important to note that the album is accompanied by a short film. The film is simply Phil’s hands flipping through what seems to be an endless stack of old photographs. Photos include moments from his youth, along with moments of joy, moments of sadness, and lots of nature photos from throughout his life. While seeming quite random at first, the lyrics actually match up with quite a few of the photos perfectly, distinguishing the piece from mindless nostalgia. This looking backward through time is meticulous, calculated, and purposeful. Phil is searching and analyzing specific events from specific times in his life. I would highly recommend listening to this album while watching the video as they compliment each other beautifully.
Although the production is both original and beautiful on this record, the true star of the show is Phil himself. Phil and his music have always been expansive and delved into topics such as loneliness, love, heartbreak, existentialism, death, and nature. Microphones in 2020 is a meditation on his entire career in an attempt to find meaning. Almost like using a time machine, Phil returns to specific moments of his youth and early career in hopes of explaining and understanding his existence. Whether being inspired to write with “deeper peace” by the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon or contemplating the moon with friends, Phil pokes and pries at his life. By the end of this 45-minute opus, however, Phil concludes that he cannot explain life or find meaning to events throughout his own life.
The Verdict: For its unique production and Phil’s poetic reflection on life’s meaning, Microphones in 2020 is August 2020’s Album of the Month.
The Microphones
Microphones in 2020
9.5/10