Depths

Released

Windy & Carl had already well established themselves with three studio albums along with a host of singles and EPs, but their fourth, 1998’s water-themed Depths, took them to even more remarkable levels in exploring their trademark blend of guitar and bass interweaving. That Depths was their first release for the Kranky label also felt appropriate given that label’s evident interest in psych and drone acts from early on; from the opening track “Sirens,” a deep and slow feedback zone out following a sense of slow rhythm without beats, it was clear the duo were on the best possible trip. The sense of shimmering beauty that accompanied their explorations remained strong; for all the sonic darkness as suggested in the title, there’s also a deep serenity created on songs like “Set Adrift” and “Aquatica.” “Undercurrents” is the first track on the album which showcases a sonic approach that would almost be a calling card for them, with Windy’s bass providing a deep melodic hook as well as rhythm in combination with her murmuring vocals while Carl’s guitar added both tension and layers of extended drone and feedback.

Ned Raggett