VISION (180G) (DLCD)

Ben Shepard's latest effort is an exercise in contrast, spanning territories alien and natural, both stark and verdant. Assembled in Brooklyn and San Francisco, the record's lush instrumentation surrounds an elegiac cast of supporting vocalists, contributed by members of M83, Farallons, and Gregor Samsa. Mercury Rev's Jeff Mercel provides drums, with Julliard master violinist Sarah Koenig-Plonskier comprising the overdubbed string section. A colorful collage of texture and shape, The Vision is intricate, wovent together like a melodic tapestry. The songs evolve over time, revealing new rooms with meticulous landscapes.