Musk Ox

Bio:

Band Info

Musk Ox is a Canadian Neofolk project formed by Nathanaël Larochette, blending Neofolk’s lush acoustic textures with the expansiveness of Post Rock, the intricate arrangements of Progressive Rock, and the emotional weight of Metal. Born out of a love for nature’s commanding beauty, and the captivating resonance of the nylon string guitar, Musk Ox is quickly establishing itself as one of the brightest prospects in the Neofolk genre, with a debut full-length and three self-recorded demos already to its name.

In 2008 the band welcomed Rosalind Mccanny and Angela Shleihauf (cello and oboe respectively) which lead to the first proper performances of Musk Ox material, culminating in a performance at the esteemed Opera House in Toronto. Following the departure of both members, the band welcomed Raphael Weinroth-Browne (cello) and Michelle Pinard (violin) who are currently active members of Musk Ox, performing live while also contributing material and inspiration for the next official release.

Expressing the essence of Canada’s vast, magnificent landscapes through sound, Musk Ox is a forlorn journey through natural realms where darkness and light, substance and void, sorrow and joy, exist as a single entity.

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$15 USD (Canada, US)

$20 USD (International)

Press

"Musk Ox delivers a provocative synthesis of European styled folk with a distinctively North American sense of landscape—wide, open, and stretching ever outwards. This is music that relies equally on breath, space, silence, and harmony. These songs maintain a sense of longing and waiting while nonetheless remaining within a state of perfect rest. Rarely does such music expertly negotiate those competing feelings of futurity and antiquity. One of the freshest and most original voices in neofolk"

"An incredibly cerebral and soothing piece of work...these are 45 of the most enchanting minutes of music you'll hear this side of a magical forest"

"...a modest triumph of a record...we are blindsided by just how awe-inspiring this seemingly simple album becomes"

"It has just the right level of composure and asuterity to remind of times past...a record of poise and depth"

"Every listen I'm reminded of just how lush the passages are, how soaring the harmonies are and just how delicate artistic expression can be—yet convey so much"

"...truly beautiful and completely relaxing...the soothing resonance and emotional depth wafts over the listener like a light summer breeze"

"Unique and enchanting music that utterly captivates in its disguised simplicity...Languid, beautiful and charming, this is definitely a Canadian talent to remember"

"...three quarters of an hour of sheer, unparalleled beauty...Musk Ox deserve to be raised to great heights"

"From beginning to end, this is one of the most beautiful albums I have ever heard...Fans of Tenhi, Nest, Agalloch’s acoustic tracks, October Falls, and Empyrium take note: Musk Ox is the future of this genre"

"...many people will certainly mention MUSK OX as one of the leading projects in this genre in the future"

"This is a work of beauty from beginning to end"

Discography

Entre la Terre et le Ciel (Demo EP 2006)

Entre les Nuages et La Neige (Demo EP 2007)

Musk Ox (Debut Full-Length 2007)

Entre le Soleil et les Arbres (Demo EP 2008)

Musk Ox (Re-release 2009)

Woods of Ypres - W4: "You Are Here With Me" (November 2009)

Der Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer (Compilation March 2010)

Whom the Moon a Nightsong Sings (Compilation October 2010)

Member Since:

Members:

Album

nathanaël larochette - classical and acoustic guitars grand piano, choirs and chants melodica, recorder and wood flutes glockenspiel, samples and ambiance

Live

nathanaël larochette - classical guitar

raphael weinroth-browne - cello

michelle pinard - violin

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