Though the seeds of
Big Red Machine
were planted in 2008, when
the National
's
Aaron Dessner
sent
Bon Iver
Justin Vernon
an instrumental song sketch of the same name, the project's self-titled debut was compiled over the two years leading up to its release in August of 2018. It arrives after
's surprising
22, A Million
(2016), which saw the indie folk icon incorporating keyboards, samples, and manipulated sounds, and
Sleep Well Beast
(2017), which also employed electronics as part of its expansive sonic scheme. Using dozens of instruments -- including guitars, programmed and live drums, strings, portable synthesizers, and sampling and looping devices --
's off-kilter soundscape was designed by
Dessner
, with
Vernon
adding impressionistic lyrics and wide-ranging vocal lines. Among the album's numerous guests are prior
National
collaborators such as
Arcade Fire
Richard Reed Parry
, keyboardist
Nick Lloyd
, and drummer
James McAlister
, as well as
Bryan Devendorf
. Other singers, brass players, and even a throat whistler are also in play in what are ultimately quietly dramatic tracks. The opener, "Deep Green," for instance, spotlights
's cryptic remembrance with only skittering drums and electric guitar interjections in the foreground, while eerie backing vocals, keyboard instruments, and glitchy sound effects are recessed. Later, "Lyla" blends soul, hip-hop, rock, and indie electronica on a track that incorporates R2-D2-like blips as well as
Rob Moose
's violin and viola. (
Phoebe Bridgers
is among the background singers on the track.) "Hymnostic" is more anthemic and rousing, while "People Lullaby" is relatively sparse and circular by design. It may come as no surprise after listening that the songs were originally constructed as blueprints for improvised live performances with rotating collaborators at festivals in 2017; the songs have an organic, impromptu character to them, even despite the subtle and not-so-subtle intricacy of their arrangements. More a headphones-type album than a radio-friendly one, what emerges are still songs before compositions or productions, though they may appeal to the more explorative indie rockers. ~ Marcy Donelson