Jo’s bass playing is such a standout feature on Spring Grove. Her bass lines have this wonderful way of grounding the tracks while also allowing space for all the other elements, like the violin and the vocals, to really shine. Whether it’s more subtle on songs like ‘Cumulonimbus’ or more prominent on tracks like ‘Salome’ and ‘Sharpshooter’, her playing provides an emotional depth to the record. It’s not just about holding down the low end; it’s about adding character to each song, sometimes acting almost as a second lead instrument. She has this incredible way of weaving into the texture of the songs, making them feel more alive.
You also mentioned how certain tracks took on a new life in the studio, with elements like the drum machine on ‘Shapes’ and the violin parts on ‘Crow’. How much of the final sound for Spring Grove was a product of the studio environment and the people involved, especially Julien and Cal?
The studio played a massive role in the sound of the record. We’ve worked in different spaces over the years, but there was something about the way everything came together at Young Avenue Sound that just clicked. Julien’s role as producer was key in helping us realize the vision we had for the album, especially in terms of bringing the chaos and catharsis of the songs to life while still making sure they felt cohesive. The way we could experiment with layers and textures, especially with instruments like the violin, guitar, and the addition of things like the drum machine, gave the album a richness that I think we’ve been reaching for for a while.
Calvin’s engineering and mixing also helped tie everything together. He has such an ear for balance and nuance, and he really made sure we got the right sounds. The collaboration with everyone, from the band to Julien and Cal, made it so that every part was given the attention it deserved. Even the small details, like Julien adding that piano part to ‘Crow’, were crucial to making the songs feel fully realized. The whole process was a great example of how collaboration can elevate a record beyond what any one person could achieve alone.
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