The Olivia Tremor Control are releasing a new album, their first in nearly three decades. The album, titled The Same Place, is set to be released on October 23rd via The Elephant 6 Recording Co. and will feature 27 tracks. The album has been in the works for 20 years and marks the third album from the collective, following 1996’s Music from the Unrealized Script: Dusk at Cubist Castle and 1999’s Black Foliage: Animation Music Vol. 1.
The album sees the collective embracing digital recording techniques, which has resulted in them being “even more sonically adventurous.” The record delves into themes of rebirth and the eternal nature of time, celebrating an “almost Buddhist acceptance of life, struggle, death and transformation.” These themes are particularly poignant as the band continues to grapple with and pay homage to two deceased members, Bill Doss and Will Hart.
Background and Inspiration
The Olivia Tremor Control’s first run was from the mid-90s to the 2000, during which time they extensively toured and released solo albums. The band reunited in 2005 for a series of shows and began the initial recording process for The Same Place around 2010/2011. However, recording halted after Bill Doss’s death in 2012. The group picked up where they left off in 2023, working alongside Athens producer/musician Jason NeSmith, who was inspired by the The Elephant 6 Recording Co. documentary.
In addition to Jason NeSmith, The Same Place was produced by Derek Almstead and Ron Kwasman. The album features the remaining members of The Olivia Tremor Control, including Eric Harris, John Fernandes, Peter Erchick, Derek Almstead, and AJ Griffin. Notably, Jeff Mangum was a member of an earlier version of the band before Bill Doss joined in 1994/1995.
Music and Release
The Olivia Tremor Control previously released two singles from the album, “Garden of Light” and the title track, in 2024. A new teaser track has been released, along with the album’s artwork and tracklist. The tracklist features 27 songs, including “Begin Now!”, “Advice From the Oceans”, and “Fossil Faun”.
The album’s artwork has also been revealed, showcasing the collective’s unique visual style. The release of The Same Place is a significant event for fans of The Olivia Tremor Control, marking a new chapter in the band’s history. As stated, “There are an infinite number of ways to say goodbye to a friend, and an infinite number of ways to say hello to a friend who is no longer there. The Same Place might be the best way to do both. When Will Hart and Bill Doss are remembered, let them be remembered for this.”
In conclusion, the release of The Same Place is a highly anticipated event in the music world. The album’s themes of rebirth and transformation, combined with its experimental sound, make it a must-listen for fans of The Olivia Tremor Control and The Elephant 6 Recording Co.. With its release on October 23rd, The Same Place is set to be a triumphant elegy, celebrating the band’s history and legacy while pushing the boundaries of their sound.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte, widely regarded as the “Shakespeare of Sh*tposts,” is a video game expert with a unique knack for turning pixels into punchlines.
Born in the small town of Respawn, Pennsylvania, Pixel grew up mashing buttons on an ancient NES controller, firmly believing that “blowing into the cartridge” was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte: proving that life, much like a buggy open-world game, is better with a little lag-induced chaos.
