The band's distinct sound is a mixture of Doss and Hart's experimental tendencies. This chemistry is evident in their albums given that some tracks are 2-3 minute pop songs, while others are electro-acoustic collages ranging in length from 2 seconds to 10 minutes, and differing in content from vibrant horns to near silence. Furthermore, the band released a record of experimental electro-acoustic music, The Late Music, Volume One, under the name The Black Swan Network, in 1997. Another Black Swan Network release, a 7" EP on the Happy Happy Birthday to Me label, appeared in 2000, though it did not feature Bill Doss. In October 1997, a "collaborative" LP between The Olivia Tremor Control and The Black Swan Network was released, originally as a tour-only item, and later put out as a CD by Flydaddy, which gave the record the title, The Olivia Tremor Control Vs. The Black Swan Network,' though the band had never wanted the record to be named as such. The band was influenced by the odd quality inherent in dreams and asked their listeners to send in tapes describing their own, examples of which can be heard in the final track of Black Foliage and the OTC-BSN collaborative LP.
The members of The Olivia Tremor Control embarked on a variety of different projects before and after the band broke up. Eric Harris released a record under the name Frosted Ambassador and later two CD-R releases under his own name on Cloud Recordings, the label founded by Fernandes and Hart in the wake of OTC's demise. Pete Erchick released two records, Individualized Shirts and Special Fanfare For Anything, under the name Pipes You See, Pipes You Don't. Bill Doss followed OTC by putting out records as The Sunshine Fix, a name he had used years before. The Sunshine Fix has evolved from a recording project to a formal working band. Hart's post-OTC project, Circulatory System, has taken a similar route. The self-titled 2001 LP continued the melding together of pop and experimental traditions the OTC had worked on and won high accolades from the press. While the follow-up is still in the works, the band continues to play live shows in Athens and occasionally elsewhere.
In 2005, the Olivia Tremor Control temporarily reunited, solely for live shows, at the behest of the All Tomorrow's Parties festival. They appeared at a UK version of the festival, preceded by warm-up shows in Athens and London; that summer, they again played Athens, at the Orange Twin Conservation Community, as well as gigs in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and L.A.
In May 2009, Will Hart said in an interview that the band had recently re-entered the recording studio: "We've got two songs for the next Olivia record, in my opinion. They're on Bill's hard drive."
In March 2011, Elf Power drummer Derek Almstead confirmed that he was engineering and playing percussion on the new record and that new material would be debuted at All Tomorrows' Parties later in the year. In addition to this, they have released a song titled "North Term Reality" under Olivia Tremor Control for AUX Vol. 2.
On August 30, 2011, the band premiered a new song, "The Game You Play is In Your Head Parts 1, 2 &3" and announced they planned to have a new album out later in 2011. Tour dates for Winter 2011 were also announced.
The death of Bill Doss was announced on July 31, 2012.
Black Foliage
The Olivia Tremor Control Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
from three points of light to the fourth
i sang a song that lasted a year
you are the subject of sketches
i made for a sculpture in sound
when you pass the black foliage
imagine an eternity wrapped in silver sound
when you pass the black extension
imagine you are the subject eating, walking, making love
dressing for the universe
there are several layers of meaning,
hundreds of different aspects of the soul
we cannot simply seek to be known, high points, low points,
all around the globe
you are the subject of sketches
i made for a sculpture in sound
when you pass the black foliage
imagine an eternity wrapped in silver sound
when you pass the black extension
The lyrics of The Olivia Tremor Control's song "Black Foliage" depict a profound sense of fascination and admiration for someone who seems to possess an extraordinary aura. The singer describes this person as the subject of many conversations, implying that they are the center of attention and intrigue. The mention of "three points of light to the fourth" suggests that this person illuminates and stands out among others, like stars in a constellation.
The lyrics also mention a song that "lasted a year," hinting at a deep emotional connection or impact this person had on the singer. It signifies a prolonged period of inspiration and artistic expression. This alludes to the power this individual holds, as their presence and influence seem to transcend time.
The imagery of sketches and sculptures in sound further emphasizes the artistic admiration the singer holds for this person. These creative endeavors are an attempt to capture and immortalize their essence. The black foliage and extension symbolize unknown depths and endless possibilities surrounding this person. It is an invitation to imagine a world where their presence permeates every experience, where everything is wrapped in the enchanting and captivating sound they embody.
Overall, the lyrics of "Black Foliage" convey a sense of awe and fascination for someone who possesses a unique and captivating presence. They are the subject of admiration and inspiration, evoking a desire to experience the world through their perspective and bask in their transcendent aura.
Line by Line Meaning
you are the subject of many conversations
You are a topic that is frequently discussed and analyzed by many people.
from three points of light to the fourth
From multiple perspectives, even beyond what is expected or traditional.
i sang a song that lasted a year
I created a musical composition that conveyed a deep and prolonged emotion or story.
you are the subject of sketches
You are the inspiration for artistic representations in various forms.
i made for a sculpture in sound
I crafted musical arrangements and compositions that embody your essence.
when you pass the black foliage
When you traverse through the obscure aspects of life and existence.
imagine an eternity wrapped in silver sound
Visualize a never-ending experience intertwined with ethereal and captivating music.
when you pass the black extension
When you venture into unexplored realms or boundaries.
imagine you are the subject eating, walking, making love
Envision yourself as the central focus engaging in basic human actions like consuming, moving, and experiencing intimacy.
dressing for the universe
Preparing oneself to face and engage with the vast cosmic reality.
there are several layers of meaning
There exist multiple depths and interpretations to comprehend.
hundreds of different aspects of the soul
Countless facets and elements that constitute the essence of one's being.
we cannot simply seek to be known, high points, low points, all around the globe
We should not merely strive for recognition based on achievements or experiences throughout the world.
Lyrics ยฉ SCHUBERT MUSIC PUBLISHING INC.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@citruslad933
0:00:00 Opening
0:00:25 A Peculiar Noise Called "Train Director"
0:03:27 Combinations
0:03:32 Hideaway
0:06:06 Black Foliage (Animation 1)
0:07:19 Combinations
0:07:34 The Sky Is A Harpsichord Canvas
0:07:38 A Sleepy Company
0:11:19 Grass Canons
0:14:40 A New Day
0:17:10 Combinations
0:17:25 Black Foliage (Animation 2)
0:18:49 I Have Beem Floated
0:22:29 Paranormal Echoes
0:25:59 Black Foliage (Animation 3)
0:26:44 A Place We Have Been To
0:29:09 Black Foliage (itself)
0:32:04 The Sylvan Screen
0:38:11 The Bark and Below It
0:49:36 Black Foliage (Animation 4)
0:51:12 California Demise 3
0:53:58 Looking for Quiet Seeds
0:57:12 Combinations
0:57:23 Mystery
1:00:49Another Set Of Bees In The Museum
1:03:56 Black Foliage (Animation 5)
1:06:05 Hilltop Procession Momentum Gaining
@citruslad933
0:00:00 Opening
0:00:25 A Peculiar Noise Called "Train Director"
0:03:27 Combinations
0:03:32 Hideaway
0:06:06 Black Foliage (Animation 1)
0:07:19 Combinations
0:07:34 The Sky Is A Harpsichord Canvas
0:07:38 A Sleepy Company
0:11:19 Grass Canons
0:14:40 A New Day
0:17:10 Combinations
0:17:25 Black Foliage (Animation 2)
0:18:49 I Have Beem Floated
0:22:29 Paranormal Echoes
0:25:59 Black Foliage (Animation 3)
0:26:44 A Place We Have Been To
0:29:09 Black Foliage (itself)
0:32:04 The Sylvan Screen
0:38:11 The Bark and Below It
0:49:36 Black Foliage (Animation 4)
0:51:12 California Demise 3
0:53:58 Looking for Quiet Seeds
0:57:12 Combinations
0:57:23 Mystery
1:00:49Another Set Of Bees In The Museum
1:03:56 Black Foliage (Animation 5)
1:06:05 Hilltop Procession Momentum Gaining
@Lukepuke311
Opening is underrated
@nazfrde
This is that most rare and perfect thing: a group who accomplished everything they set out to do on an album, and could think of anything else to do except break up. But wow, what an album.
@rossrobbins7707
Many years ago, I ran an OTC fansite called Tropical Bells. I have loved this band since I was 14 years old.
@trinitron384
Ross Robbins Is it still up?
@rozenravn7221
FUNKe sent me here. His
description really made me want to listen to it!
@demo3702
same here my guy, since the release of that video i have lost count of the amount of times i have listened through it.
@badbleach
Fr lol, his praise for this was respectfully done
@dilanrajapaksha
I'm surprised how few comments I saw like this
Glad to see a couple people got here at least
@Lukepuke311
@bleach yes