Animal Oracle, a band born out of the vibrant and eclectic Asheville, NC music scene, offers a modern sound that resonates with those who find themselves nostalgic for something undefined, something almost forgotten. Their journey began when Kai Heinmets, a poet who transitioned into songwriting, sought out fellow artists who shared his passion for the experimental and the ethereal. He found them in Hannah Simpson and Mike Anderson, two multi-instrumentalists with a knack for bringing the unexpected into their performances. Simpson, with her grounding bass lines and haunting cello, and Anderson, who can shift seamlessly from keys to tuba, brought a depth to Heinmets’ lyrical musings that turned his poetry into something more—a sonic exploration of the human experience.
The band was further solidified with the addition of Derrick Spivey, a drummer whose background in both jazz and metal provided the rhythmic complexity that would become a hallmark of their sound. With Spivey’s ability to navigate between intensity and subtlety, the band began to take shape, their music skirting the edges of dream pop, indie rock, and alt-R&B. What truly sets Animal Oracle apart is their collective embrace of improvisation, a skill that allows them to push boundaries and explore uncharted musical territories in real-time. It’s this improvisational spirit that makes their live performances not just a concert but an experience—one that can shift and evolve, much like the band itself.
Their debut album, produced by Alex Wolfinger at Sunroom Studios AVL, is a reflection of this evolution. Composed collaboratively, the album has already garnered descriptions like “refreshing,” “dream-like,” and “raw” from those who’ve had a sneak peek. The official release is eagerly anticipated in the fall 2024.
One track that’s already making waves is their latest single, “Luvbyte” (Pseudo Version). This song captures the essence of Animal Oracle’s approach to music—a fusion of the organic and the electronic, the planned and the spontaneous. The track is anchored by a melodic bassline that feels both familiar and fresh, grounding the listener even as the music takes off into uncharted territory. Anderson’s keys solo, which emerges from an improv jam, dances around the melody, shifting in unexpected directions. The drums, glitched and looped, create a rhythm that’s more than just a backdrop; they become a conversation with the other instruments, pushing and pulling the track forward.
Over it all, Heinmets’ vocals act as a siren song, drawing the listener deeper into the soundscape. The use of a vocoder adds an otherworldly quality, distorting and enhancing his voice until it becomes another instrument in the mix. “Luvbyte” is not just a song; it’s an experience, a journey through the possibilities of what music can be when it’s allowed to live and breathe, to grow and change in the moment. As Animal Oracle continues to explore these possibilities, one thing is clear—their music is not just for the ears, but for the soul.
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