Hospice (album)

Hospice is the third studio album by American indie rock band The Antlers. It was first self-released by the band in March 2009, and later saw wider release on the Frenchkiss label in August of the same year. The album is a concept album, telling the story of a relationship between a hospice worker and a terminally ill patient, exploring themes of terminal illness, death, and the emotional toll of caregiving.

Background

The creation of Hospice marks a significant departure from The Antlers' earlier work. Prior to this album, The Antlers was primarily a solo project of Peter Silberman. However, during the recording of Hospice, Michael Lerner and Darby Cicci joined the band, turning The Antlers into a collaborative effort. Silberman has described the album as being influenced by his own experiences and personal growth, though he has also noted that the narrative is not strictly autobiographical.

Recording

Hospice was recorded and produced by Silberman in his Brooklyn apartment. The intimate setting contributed to the album's deeply personal and raw emotional tone. Instruments used in the album include guitars, keyboards, trumpets, and a variety of electronic effects, creating a rich, layered sound that complements the narrative's emotional depth.

Music and Lyrics

The music on Hospice is characterized by its atmospheric soundscapes, which range from quiet, introspective moments to powerful, cathartic crescendos. Silberman's falsetto vocals are a key element of the album's sound, delivering the narrative's poignant lyrics with intense emotion. The lyrics themselves are dense and literary, weaving a complex story that has been subject to various interpretations by listeners and critics alike.

Reception

Upon its release, Hospice received widespread critical acclaim. Critics praised the album's emotional weight, intricate storytelling, and innovative sound. It has been described as a landmark album in the indie rock genre, and its influence can be seen in the work of many artists who followed. Hospice has also developed a dedicated fan base, with many listeners finding personal meaning in its themes of loss and healing.

Track Listing

The album's track listing is as follows:

1. "Prologue"
2. "Kettering"
3. "Sylvia"
4. "Atrophy"
5. "Bear"
6. "Thirteen"
7. "Two"
8. "Shiva"
9. "Wake"
10. "Epilogue"

Legacy

The impact of Hospice on indie music and its listeners has been significant. It is often cited as one of the most important albums of the 2000s, with its exploration of difficult themes and innovative sound setting it apart from other releases of the time. The Antlers have continued to produce music that pushes boundaries, but Hospice remains a defining work in their discography.