Tyler Daniel Bean is a man with a brisk, but robust discography. There’s been a gap in his original output, though. Consider the fact that “Willow” is the Burlington, VT’s musician’s first take of original material since 2013’s Everything You Do Scares Me, a 7″ record with two relatively expansive tracks. Other than that, Bean’s back catalog notably consists of his 2012 debut Longing and a series of covers cassettes (some selections from which we’ve debuted or highlighted on the MV Podcast), which recalibrated everything from Pedro the Lion to a dear friend’s day job project. For all intents and purposes, the sprawling, double-jointed “Willow” is a return to form.

Well, this is Bean’s six-minute joyride, but he has seven other passengers from various other outfits rounding out the voyage. When Bean’s wispy vocals drop out to give way to more precious connective tissue — instrumental breaks — the expanse of the background noise begins to take shape. When the track segues into its second act, keyboard plinks become more prominent, adding a twinkly overglow to this track, a well-portioned battle between darkness and finding a safe way out of that crushing discomfort. Bean is joined on a hopeful refrain — “so tell me it’ll be alright” — with a shout-heavy, layered set of voices. The plea drives with innumerable force. It makes sense this was recorded live. The urgency on display here may have dwindled otherwise.

“Willow” is one half of a split 7″, “Live at Dead Air” — Au Revoir is contributing the record’s B-side. Over at Tor Johnson Records, you can pre-order the release, which features artwork from William Schaff, known for his portfolio with Songs:Ohia and Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Tor Johnson has both clear with red smoke and solid red wax available, both limited to 50 copies.

“Live at Dead Air” will be released on March 18th.

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