Jeff Mangum Sings: NMH singer featured with Instruments

Jeff Mangum is perhaps one of the most reluctant musicians to ever inspire a cult following. In March, the indie music world rightfully celebrated the tenth anniversary of Mangum's masterwork with his band Neutral Milk Hotel, the stunning In The Aeroplane Over The Sea. Since he stopped recording under that moniker a decade ago, there's been endless excitement and speculation attached to every project in which he's been involved even the tiniest little bit. Content to stay far away from the spotlight, however, Mangum's appearances have been few and far between.

The latest fodder for Mangum fanatics, then, arrives in the form of Heather McIntosh-fronted band The Instruments. They release their album Dark Småland May 13 via Orange Twin Records, and Mangum will most definitely be on it. He contributes vocal harmonies on the track "Ode To The Sea," which Pitchfork's is streaming here.

Mangum and McIntosh both comprise parts of Athens, Ga.'s famous Elephant 6 recording collective, which boasts other currently active bands like Of Montreal and Pipes You See, Pipes You Don't as part of its nebulous and musician-switching lineup. She's played with Circulatory System, Elf Power (who own the Orange Twin Label), Japancakes and Kevin Ayers, among others. McIntosh has also recently signed on to be the touring bassist and cellist for Gnarls Barkely.

The album also includes contributions from Will Cullen Hart, John Fernandes and Peter Erchick, all of whom played with Harris in The Olivia Tremor Control.

Related links:
The Instruments on MySpace
Creative Loafing Atlanta: Have You Seen Jeff Mangum?
OrangeTwin.com

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