Barnowl

Written and produced by Dan Snaith for The Milk of Human Kindness, Barnowl closes his first album released under the Caribou name. Its layered recording combines repeating rhythms, vocal harmonies and electronic textures. Contemporary reviewers singled out Barnowl as a climactic album closer, with The Independent comparing its rhythmic flow to Can's Future Days. It helped establish continuity between Snaith's earlier Manitoba recordings and his new Caribou identity. Snaith substantially expanded Barnowl for the 15-piece Caribou Vibration Ensemble's 2009 performances. The resulting version appeared on the ensemble's 2010 live album, demonstrating the composition's scope for collective improvisation.