Sylvan Esso Navigating the Concrete Jungle

After a month spent enjoying the single “Hot Slob,” Sylvan Esso has unveiled the full scope of their latest sonic journey with their fifth album, Ow ∞. This LP marks a significant milestone: it is the band’s first full-length album in four years and their debut release on their own independent label.

The genesis of Ow ∞ was rooted in deep collaboration. Group members Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn spent the time shaping the record in 2022, pouring more time into writing and experimenting than they had on previous releases. The resulting sound is a fascinating blend, often blurring the lines between high-energy electronic pop and music built from years of improvisation and creative teamwork.

One standout track, “Concrete Glen,” perfectly encapsulates this experimental spirit. It’s described as a woozy, late-night meditation that subtly incorporates a sample from Sigur Rós’ “Svefn-g-englar”—a nod to Meath’s own teenage soundtrack sessions. Like the rest of Ow ∞, the album thrives on this dynamic interplay between structured electronic sound and organic exploration.

Produced by both Meath and Sanborn, the album pairs a sense of environmental dread and personal upheaval with ecstatic dance music. The band views Ow ∞ as an invitation to embrace a chaotic present while finding coherence through memories, relationships, and the creative process.

To achieve this vast emotional landscape, Sylvan Esso gathered an unprecedented array of collaborators. The sessions brought together six different drummers alongside contributions from a massive roster, including Daniel Aged, BJ Burton, Glenn Kotche, Jenn Wasner, Buddy Ross, Jake Luppen, Matt Douglas, Joe Westerlund, TJ Maiani, and James Mapley-Brittle. These artists contributed guitars, vibraphones, woodwinds, organs, pianos, and electronics, enriching Sylvan Esso’s signature organic and digital textures.

Amelia Meath approaches production with an intentional philosophy that pushes boundaries. She noted that one of her favorite ways to produce is to intentionally leave room for discovery. “It makes your ear ask a question… it kind of forces the listener to be creative as well,” she explained. This approach defines the album’s emotional core, suggesting that participation in life involves embracing discomfort: “Living hurts forever, and then it stops. But also it’s a little silly,” Meath added. It becomes a rallying cry to commit to feeling everything.

Ow ∞ is set to tour the country starting October 1st in Atlanta and will continue through 2027, following a recent sold-out residency in Los Angeles. The band is also bringing their unique brand of sound back home by reviving the Good Moon festival in Durham, North Carolina, from October 8th to 10th, featuring an incredible lineup including Tyler Childers, Meshell Ndegeocello, MJ Lenderman, Rodrigo Amarante, aja monet, and Silvana Estrada.