North Carolina-based experimental trio Setting’s second studio album (they have also released a trio of live albums) sees them move from Paradise of Bachelors over to Thrill Jockey and drop a self-titled effort that distils their blend of acoustic instrumentation, cassette loops and electronics to thrilling effect.
What is quite noticeable when listening to Setting for the first time is its groove, a detail that was less prevalent on Shone a Rainbow Light On and the live albums. Heard a Bubble kicks off with Nathan Bowles playing a tight little banjo loop more akin to his work with the Nathan Bowles Trio than what we have heard from Setting before. As the piece develops, Jaime Fennelly’s programmed synths and electronics embellish and flesh out the refrain, and Joe Westerlund’s percussion digs deeper into a groove that explores itself for over eight minutes, creating a trance-like listening experience.
What Kind of Fish is a Turtle pulls apart this structured approach and uses its seven or so minutes to build on a stark, minimalist soundscape, with swirling electronics and sparse, metallic percussion. Without any of the patternation and groove of Heard a Bubble or the fun, almost electro-pop stylings of Gum Bump, Turtle lulls the ear and uses its spare structure and distant electronic drones to create a meditative space that works as an effective respite from the solidity of the previous two tracks.
Sitting somewhere in between is Ribbon of Moss, which uses a looser, more improvised-sounding banjo part as a focal point for electronics and minimalist percussion to wrap around. The synths here are also effective in providing warmth and substance, giving the piece an interesting point of difference to the starker What Kind of Fish is a Turtle. It’s quite wonderful and mesmerising music that serves as a lens into the long, exploratory recording sessions the band undertook to find the sound of this album.
Setting feels like a very different listen to its predecessor; the sound is brighter in places, and the production and engineering (by Adam McDaniel) give the music real definition and personality. It can be heard throughout the whole album; listen to the insistent percussion on the closing song, Derring-do, as an example: the groove they establish links it to Heard a Bubble, but the more spacious structure sets it apart.
It is this intricate detailing and impeccable construction, along with a clear confidence in each of the five songs, that make the album so appealing. Without a doubt, it is their clearest expression yet, making Setting the perfect title.
Setting (April 24th, 2026) Thrill Jockey
Upcoming Live Dates
May 13 – Athens, GA @ Flicker Theater
May 14 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
May 16 – Asheville, NC – AyurPrana Listening Room
May 17 – Saxapahaw, NC – Haw River Ballroom*
Jun 20 – Nelsonville, OH – Nelsonville Music Festival
Jun 22 – Yellow Springs, OH – Foundry Theater @ Antioch College – The Outside Presents
Jun 23 – Detroit, MI – Trinosophes
Jun 25 – Montreal, QC – Suoni Per Il Popolo
Jun 26 – North Adams, MA – Mass MoCA
Jun 27 – North Adams, MA – Solid Sound Music and Arts Festival (MASS MoCA)
Jul. 30 – Happy Valley, OR – Pickathon
*Setting album release show – w/ Walt McClements