Vilke

Pressing of 500 numbered copies, packaged in a deluxe LP sleeve and o-card with art and design by Faith Coloccia. 

Vilké: of Lithuanian origin, a word for the female wolf.

For over twenty five years, Northwest native Daniel Menche has been involved with innovative methods of composition and sound experimentation. His formative work being rooted in noise has since developed into highly idiosyncratic and sophisticated forms, while remaining integrated with the genre’s emotionally visceral core. Vilké is another step forward in this ongoing evolution, and a formidable experience for the listener.

Animality is a recurrent theme in Menche’s work, displayed prominently within four long form compositions that comprise the album. An avid and voracious hiker, Menche found great inspiration in the beautiful lament of howling wolves during his overnight expeditions; and ultimately chose these sounds as the core sonic elements for Vilké. By layering and distending wolves voices, a choir of howls was constructed - a massive sound wall colliding with layers of poly-rhythmic drums, abstracted guitar and piano. Fluctuating from somber ambiance to a seemingly endless cascade of noise, the songs lure the listener into a darkened forest of howling serenades, propulsive rhythms, deconstructed instrumentation and mother nature’s primal cacophony.

Vilké is an immersive experience, standing as a powerfully unique album among a long and varied discography from one of today’s most valuable experimental musicians.

Recorded and mixed throughout the summer of 2012 at House of Menche. Artwork and design by Faith Coloccia. Vinyl mastering/cutting by John Golden.