AU

AU sounds like the organized chaos of a forest floor. It is music that refuses to sit still, built on a foundation of Luke Wyland's frantic, polyrhythmic piano playing and Dana Valatka's explosive drumming. There is a tactile, woody quality to the sound, as if every instrument was carved from cedar and then played with a manic, celebratory intensity. It is dense and layered, yet it breathes with a natural, organic rhythm that feels both ancient and futuristic.

What makes AU truly distinctive is the way they bridge the gap between academic avant-garde and communal folk. The use of group vocals and chanting creates a sense of ritual, while the complex arrangements involving saxophones, clarinets, and trombones provide a sophisticated, almost orchestral depth. It is maximalist music that never feels cluttered, because every sound is driven by a singular, propulsive energy that pushes the listener forward.

Start with the album Both Lights. It captures the project at its most collaborative and refined, featuring contributions from Colin Stetson and Holland Andrews. It is the perfect entry point for anyone who loves the experimental edge of Animal Collective but wants something with more acoustic weight and technical instrumental prowess.