Megafaun is a pivotal entity in the North Carolina experimental folk scene, formed by Brad Cook, Phil Cook, and Joe Westerlund following the dissolution of DeYarmond Edison (their collaborative project with Justin Vernon). While Vernon moved toward the isolated indie-folk of Bon Iver, Megafaun took a more communal and avant-garde path, blending Appalachian roots with the improvisational spirit of jazz and the textural experimentation of Musique Concrète.
Their sound identity is defined by intricate acoustic arrangements, brotherly vocal harmonies, and the use of found sounds and unconventional percussion. Throughout their career, they have acted as a bridge between the traditional Americana world and the indie-rock underground, frequently collaborating with artists like Hiss Golden Messenger and Fight the Big Bull. Critical consensus highlights their 2009 album 'Gather, Form & Fly' as a landmark of the freak-folk era, praised for its ability to remain accessible while pushing structural boundaries. They occupy a unique space in the 'Durham sound,' characterized by a high level of musicianship and a restless, polymathic approach to genre.
Shares freak folk, banjo, chamber folk, cabin_in_woods (subgenre)
Shares freak folk, banjo, chamber folk, cabin_in_woods (subgenre)
Shares banjo, chamber folk, cabin_in_woods, americana (instrumentation)
Shares banjo, cabin_in_woods, americana, indie folk (signature)
Shares banjo, chamber folk, cabin_in_woods, indie folk (signature)
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