When he moved to Manhattan in the winter of 2006, Peter Silberman disappeared for a year and a half. He stayed cocooned in his apartment, hiding away from friends, family, and most of the city. When Silberman emerged in the spring of 2007, he was twenty-one, liberated, and broken. He set out to explain his absence through a record that would take another year and a half to complete.

 

Silberman moved from Manhattan to Brooklyn, where he spent most of his waking hours working on what was to become Hospice, an elegy for his disappearance. Hospice began as Silberman’s solo bedroom arrangements and recordings. As the album became more fully realized, he began to assemble friends to contribute: Darby Cicci (trumpet, bowed banjo), Justin Stivers (bass), Michael Lerner (drums), and Sharon Van Etten (guest vocals). Cicci and Lerner remain as core members of the live band.

 

Hospice is evidence of The Antlers’—and Silberman’s—maturation. 2007’s nuanced, upbeat In the Attic of the Universe was initially self-released for free, and became The Antlers’ unexpected under-the-radar breakthrough thanks to blog word-of-mouth. This record, in addition to its two free follow-up EPs (2007’s swirling Cold War and 2008’s druggier New York Hospitals), chronicle The Antlers’ evolution from detailed dream pop to densely layered narrative shoegaze, from solo effort to band. last.fm

 

http://www.antlersmusic.com/hospicecover.jpg

 

You can hear the whole thing on their Myspace. Another amazing album to go with the others we've already had this year. 'Kettering' and 'Bear' are both wow.

:wub: Been really into this album for a month or so.

This is so f***ing good. All of the tracks have something about them, most of them are just so dreamy and laid-back like. It's great lyrically as well. Seriously the best thing this year, blows Animal Collective / Yeah Yeah Yeahs etc. out the water.

Nah, not quite there imo. But it is very good. :wub: Bear is particularly stunning.

Listened to some of it on their MySpaz. Really like 'Two', 'Bear' and 'Sylvia', especially 'Bear'. Very good.

This album is really something special. :wub: It grows and grows.

 

2009 has been a good year for music, thinking about it. I was very cynical about it earlier this year, but I've found quite a lot of stuff recently to love.

Will definately be picking this up. Loved what i've heard so far, and can't wait to hear the rest of it.

If you've liked what you've heard, it's definitely worth it. It can be a bit hard for people not that into lo-fi-ish music to get into, but it's really beautiful stuff. Kettering and Bear are stunning.

I MISSED THIS

 

F-ING STUNNING

Isn't it just.

 

I completely forgot to shortlist it for my 2009 albums list. It would have more than likely made top 10 too, argh my year end was too rushed this year. :(

Isn't it just.

 

I completely forgot to shortlist it for my 2009 albums list. It would have more than likely made top 10 too, argh my year end was too rushed this year. :(

I may do a year-end soon, it will completely contrast my Albums of the Decade thing (which is wrong :( too rushed like yourself)

:wub: I can't stop listening to this. I love the live version of Sylvia, and I adore Atrophy.

~ saw the 10th anniversary show in Leeds on Friday and it was absolutely stunning. Welled up when 'Kettering' came on as there is something quite magical, perhaps even ethereal, about Silberman's vocal performance during the chorus of 'Epilogue'. :wub:

I was devastated they missed out Brum, "Bear" and the ending of "Epilogue" would have been incredible to hear live!

I have heard rumours that they will be releasing a live version of the album so hopefully you will be able to listen to how it sounded live via that. Truly stunning.