Two Hands is the fourth studio album by the American band Big Thief, released through 4AD on October 11, 2019. The album comes five months after the release of the band's third studio album, U.F.O.F., and is described as its "earth twin". It was preceded by the singles "Not" and "Forgotten Eyes".
Background and recording
Recording for Two Hands began only days after the band completed recording their third studio album, U.F.O.F., at Bear Creek Studio in Woodinville, Washington. Two Hands was recorded at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas and produced by the Andrew Sarlo, who has produced every Big Thief album. Compared to the lush nature setting of Bear Creek, Sonic Ranch is located in the dry, hot Chihuahuan Desert of Texas. The album's press release indicated the studio was chosen purposely for its "vast desert location", with the songs reflecting its influence. The songs were recorded live with almost no overdubs and all but two songs feature entirely live vocal takes.
Music and lyrics
In the album's press release, Adrianne Lenker said, "Two Hands has the songs that I'm the most proud of; I can imagine myself singing them when I'm old. Musically and lyrically, you can't break it down much further than this. It's already bare-bones."
Release and promotion
In early August, some fans who had purchased U.F.O.F. on vinyl from the 4AD website received an unmarked 7" record in the mail. It contained two songs that were later revealed to be the title track "Two Hands" and "Love In Mine", a track appearing on the Japanese version of the album. The 7" had "10/11/19" etched into it, alluding to the release date. The album was announced on August 13, 2019 alongside the release of its first single, "Not". Upon release, the song was awarded the "Best New Track" distinction by Pitchfork, with Quinn Moreland calling it "a towering statement from a group constantly leapfrogging over themselves." On the August 19, 2019 the band performed Two Hands in full during an intimate show at London's Bush Hall. A second song from the album, "Forgotten Eyes", was released on 2 October 2019. In December 2019, Spin named Two Hands as the best album of 2019 in its annual critic's picks.
Track listing
Personnel
Big Thief
Adrianne Lenker – guitar, vocals
Buck Meek – guitar, vocals
Max Oleartchik – bass, vocals, percussion
James Krivchenia – drums, vocals, percussion, mallets, cymbal
