LogFAQs > #956243570

109. Caribou Odessa (2010)
from the album Swim

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq_tDOFU5tY

Key lyrics:
And Ive been with you for all of these years
Tell you what Ive got to show for all of my tears

Caribou is a master of deeply meditative electronic music. Odessa is a somber tale of an abused woman doing the work to leave her partner. The predominant synth-line stutters and swirls, sounding almost like a pained animal. This fades out during the verses, leaving behind an almost atonal bass line. Light percussive elements join in and subtly shift throughout; when the opening synth-line returns, the percussion hops about, shifting in volume as if jumping between channels when not dipping out entirely. Even Snaiths vocals take on a different edge between verses and chorus. Odessa consists of several similar yet distinct bits, expertly fused together in an ever-changing soundscape.

As Snaith hits the middle of the second verse, his voice echoes at a key line. The stuttering synth-line, which has hitherto remained separate from the vocals, fades in during this sequence and wars for the spotlight during the following chorus. Caribou weaponizes the synthesizer, operating it more like an intrusive thought than a supportive element. During the final verse, the synth-line transforms into a momentous arpeggio. With this shift, Snaiths vocals suggest the central figure will finally take the necessary steps to leave only for that bitter stutter to return and close out the song. By cutting off before her success, Odessa maintains a sense of raw determination.

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