Big Thief - Simulation Swarm (Official Audio)

[@brucemichaelgrossman4913]

That riff is so unusual and hypnotic. And then the vocal melody brings the heat as it always does

[@ThibaultLBRN]

this riff ... do agree

[@averyanahi]

I agree that guitar makes my ears flutter lol

[@patrickhawkinson8399]

The guitar and bass both.

[@chupacabra377]

It absolutely does

[@plively347]

Great call. Your 'hypnotic' comment compelled mine. I'm hooked on this song the last few months

[@mariandougskeleton9468]

the first time I heard this song was at the beach, that's a moment I will never forget, this song is like the waves

[@space_1073]

that's beautiful

[@madhouse-mr5ks]

From age 7, I was separated from my little sister unknowingly. Unable to even visit her. I began living with my stepmom and little brother. My little siblings were my light, my love, my laughter. I missed my little sister but was thankful for my brother. He's my lil bug. I barely know my little sister except her name and her horrible father. I know my brother but I moved away when he was three and have yet to return. This song makes me absolutely breakdown bc it reminds me of the little sibling I can't help, and the one I keep holding off. Separated families can be functional, but this one is turmoil. They're both 11 now. I know I'll see them little ones someday, I just wish it was now. I'd like to add, the first time I heard this song was at the dentist's office. I thought "nice song, but I won't remember it" but something told me I NEEDED to know it. I don't think I would've found something so close to home on my own.

[@madhouse-mr5ks]

@flickerfeverfilltheform Thank you 🫶 I'm 18 now, just really broke. I can't drive so I can't do much.

[@ifhatemlioml]

i wish you so much happiness in life stranger 😭 ur story brought me to tears im so sorry, stay strong! i’m sure somehow you will meet again :)

[@mokleymoke]

"Only one, little Andy, will you return again I believe we can renew And you could be my brother Once again, fall asleep with our backs against each other You believe, I believe too That you are the river of light who I love That I sing to in the belly of the empty night "

[@YoYo-gt5iq]

Heard this song on a public radio station while driving through rural Texas. Thanks 88.5 east of Dallas.

[@jg6551]

I’m rural south of Dallas and all I get is country pop garbage. I’m jealous

[@YoYo-gt5iq]

@@jg6551 Hey, you are here now, and you also know to hit that station when you can. It had a terrific variety of music. In fact, I get station from NY City, Connecticut and NJ, and can say without a doubt that that station was the best I'd ever heard. Between songs, it had solid advice for your health and family, then played such terrific music. Typing this, I'm wondering if I can tune in from my phone or laptop.

[@jg6551]

I’ll have to look for that station next time I head up there

[@nice-boat]

I miss hearing this song on the radio now

[@sadashiva1708]

"I wanna drop my arms and take your arms And walk you to shore" What a beautiful line!

[@gfrizzleshizzlemanizzle]

Sounds nice, Just tell me when and where, I'll see you there.

[@1152pm]

my favorite too

[@imtm]

That’s something about the way she sings this line that is just… lovely, calming and strange.

[@adrevenue5112]

69 likes

[@HelloHello-vk5ob]

That lyric gets me crying every fucking time

[@iantbailey]

it’s like a balm. the melody is so minimal but carries a certainty. overcast, but has velocity. it feels protective yet just barely contained.

[@Menvajea]

Thank you. What an exceptional description.

[@flaminreds505]

Really beautiful description

[@falcoperegrinus82]

I think Jackie Chiles said it best regarding balms: Who told you to put the balm on? I didn't tell you to put the balm on. Why'd you put the balm on!?

[@mayhembunz8888]

Magic 🪄

[@adrianslim4928]

@@falcoperegrinus82 nobody knows what a balm is gonna do.

[@fernhausluv44]

This is the hardest-going softest song ever - if that makes sense.

[@mikeguinness5408]

Well stated.

[@indigo_lantern6626]

This shit does go hard heard it while I was In traffic and I bumped the fuck out of it while jamming to it. Just so hard!!! Good thing I was listening to the radio that day on the 710

[@deancj1]

Metal!

[@christopherpederson1021]

You ever heard the beatles? Lol

[@wakeupdottv414]

It goes hard as hell lol

[@justasillylittlewhimsicalnut]

This is the first thing that really made me feel anything in a long long time

[@MONOKATESWIFE]

Try Skibidi toilet

[@psshhhewwwwbbewbewwww]

@@MONOKATESWIFE nawh

[@moonycat]

This is just... magical. Wow. This is oddly specific but that last verse feels like a frantic confession of platonic feelings that was transmitted long distance during battle and that was cut short due to a sudden attack

[@TheFalloutShot96]

It’s about a sibling I think

[@riversage3873]

This song is just pure magic. It gives me an indescribable feeling.

[@lowpower2525]

本当に大好きな曲。心の中で、優しく慰めてれる友達のような。

[@Justaperson660]

So beautiful that you don't need to speak English to understand the magic of big thief. ❤

[@CaptMurph]

どうやってこの曲を見つけましたか？ ところですが、もしかたら私が間違ったら、すみません。日本語ちょっと話せますが、すらすら話せません。

[@ScottBrunelleMusic]

This is unreal, mix is beautiful too with the fretless bass? Zero harshness anywhere. Riff in the middle/end is so sick. Next level all around, wow ty!

[@brians.5597]

As an audio engineer I 100% agree with this comment. Good observation.

[@ray-mond9215]

Bro that's the first time hearing them and that's what I was impressed by.

[@andrewjones1803]

Buck Meek one of the best, most understated guitarists around!

[@asplmn]

Indeed. The drum mix is next level, and Buck's guitar sounds real nice.

[@sambsounds]

The mix is so light and airy but with such driving passion I can't even believe it. Good mixing combined with good arrangement combined with incredible band chemistry.

[@fubera2644]

I’m Japanese and I can’t understand what she says But this song captivates my heart and I can’t help crying every time.

[@akanta5746]

To be fair, nobody really understands this songs lyrics. Big Thief uses extremely cryptic and abstract lyrics meant to tell an underlying story. And unlike other "storyteller-songwriter" (Billie ellish, yoasobi, etc.) Big Thief puts a ton of effort in making each line have hidden meaning. That's why their stories all hold up as actual poetry, while other songs that try to tell a story end up being shallow, vapid, and uninspired. Yes, these lyrics are more similar to poetry than song.

[@michaelhook1380]

Yeah also I’m American and I’ve never really listened to the lyrics but the mood of the song is just such a vibe. That’s universal

[@AveSequoia]

Older popular band that used this type of song writing is Pearl Jam- daughter to be more specific

[@akanta5746]

@@AveSequoia hell yeah pearl jam is a vibe and a half

[@josephclamp3330]

@@akanta5746 I'm not sure if they are even supposed to have meaning, but I picture the singer as being captured and assimilated by an apocalypse swarm (like star trek borg) but she remembers her past life and doesn't want to fight. Or it's just really cool visual poetry haha

[@alpine115]

Shoutout to the random person on FF14 who talked to me when I was having a bad day and recommended this song as they left. You’ve helped me smile today.

[@Kitchyyy]

aww

[@Fizzyy9210]

This is why I need to play FF14

[@FINJoni]

I have listened this song countless times and it still always hits me, there is something so magical about the atmosphere of this song.

[@babywerewolf5]

This song is finding an ex's sweater in your closet. Feels so strange, yet so familiar, smells like love and loss at the same time...so in love with this RN.♥️

[@cheesybirdmess7349]

why u made me cry bro

[@Greenfingers101xo]

Beautifully put

[@mayhembunz8888]

Bittersweet 💘

[@gfrizzleshizzlemanizzle]

Hi, it's me Grant. Is there any chance I could get that back? I miss you too.

[@AK-lg8fj]

I wouldn't know, if I found one of her sweaters I'd just throw it out. Sure wouldn't smell it. But this is a very nice song, have to check out the whole album now.

[@renee4117]

This version really emphasizes the emotion this carries

[@imtm]

Is there an explanation for the lyrics? First time listening to it

[@renee4117]

@@imtm Some of her misgivings about modern life come through on the new song “Simulation Swarm,” which Lenker says was inspired by a series of intense experiences, any one of which another songwriter might have mined a full album out of: Her four-day hospitalization in Brooklyn in May 2020, when, she says, her body broke down after seven years of touring; the breakup that inspired her arresting 2020 solo album, songs; her early childhood, which was spent in a Midwestern separatist community that she has described as a “religious cult”; and her continued thinking about her biological brother Andrew, whom Lenker says she has never met (and whom she’s sung about before, on songs like 2017’s “Mythological Beauty”).

[@Ewr42]

​@@renee4117so it is a music for sacrificing babies under the moonlight

[@johnnydeagal4400]

@@Ewr42 what?

[@barefootalex]

My heart grew three size bigger after listening to this. Pure love!!!!!!

[@averyanahi]

Same

[@mathiasrestrepo7704]

UuU

[@dilanrajapaksha]

10 + 2

[@TheCursedJudge]

shut up.

[@YeahIrecordedthat]

Hearing this song for first time today and now it’s on repeat

[@bigboy453reloaded9]

Oh my God I wish I could go back and experience the first time listening to this song all over again This song is special One of the best of all time

[@squeezie49]

this is actually perfect like I'm in disbelief. its actual perfection

[@gfrizzleshizzlemanizzle]

You are.

[@TheCursedJudge]

how.?

[@colecaine.]

@@TheCursedJudgehow is it perfect? Not a single second of this song drags, for me personally. The harmonics in the guitar solo are GENIUS, and the vocal melody is so sticky.

[@harrymurakami]

might be the greatest song ever?

[@R3N3x13]

why is this a math rock-esque feel but purely calming and with genuinely beautiful vocals

[@skyhigh_butterfly]

I've never heard anything quite like this. Utterly gorgeous.

[@thekefyt]

That bear got some CAKE holy moly

[@cameryn7811]

LMAO

[@moonfallfan6933]

I’m never gonna look at the cover the same way.

[@JackAttackCat]

​@@moonfallfan6933this legitimately ruined the freaking cover for me

[@simonferret974]

LOL!

[@kittyjoy8362]

For sure @thekefyt! 😂

[@joebacon6817]

this song chokes me up every time i play it, it's one of the most emotion-envoking and beautiful pieces of art i've ever heard in any form. im really grateful people have the talent to create this kind of music.

[@FoggamingMc]

I fucking love the first little guitar solo at 2:15 so fucking perfect never heard a combination of sounds so satisfying

[@oliviastrees]

every single time I hear it, an intense calmness just rushes over me - never gets old

[@HANKUS]

im in love with that solo, and the second one as well... its very quirky and i think that is how it creates such a fun and connecting emotion

[@colecaine.]

@@HANKUSthe little stabs of harmonics in the solo makes my ears so happy lol

[@XenoFilesCharge]

You're probably never going to stumble upon this, C. But I've been coming back to this song again and again since you showed me, and every single time i feel the same warmth no other song can give me. I'd fly to you tomorrow, I'm not fighting in this war And I'd sing to your belly in the belly of the empty night Little Andy loves you back

[@philalethes]

At 44, this might be the most beautiful song I've ever heard.

[@nickpagano7134]

stop

[@zacharyallee6752]

The future is now, old man

[@brettweinberg6170]

This is wonderful! Reminds me a lot of a Modest Mouse song with those lovely round bass notes.

[@nikkimack5994]

Definitely Modest Mouse vibes. Love it.

[@brettweinberg6170]

@@nikkimack5994 Indeed!

[@nxsardella]

The harmonics in the guitar break are super MM too

[@brettweinberg6170]

@@nxsardella Absolutely!

[@quietcommotion69]

reminds me a little of custom concern, both incredibly beautiful songs

[@mertie1002]

hands down my favorite song right now

[@mayhembunz8888]

Same 🤝

[@maddyl9105]

honestly one of the greatest songs of all time imo

[@reubengoddard2742]

I've never been so excited about a Big Thief release before. Every new single has been actually incredible! I am highly anticipating this release !

[@truongnguyenaithang1766]

I tried to tell you I didn't know how to stay You believe she can see through Cutting at the silent clay A relief, beckon deep blue Fettered in the magnet sun Eat the gun as it feeds you Spitting up the oxygen Once again Once again Once again, empty horses Gallop through the violet door Follow red, crooked courses Shadows on the moonlit floor O my stars, winged creatures Gathering in silken height Like the last human teachers Once again, we must bleed new Even as the hours shake Crystal blood like a dream true A ripple in the wound and wake You believe, I believe too That you are the river of light Who I love, that I cling to In the belly of the empty night From the 31st floor of the simulation swarm With the drone of fluorescence Flicker, fever, fill the form With a warm gush, now I wanna touch Like we never could before I'd fly to you tomorrow, I'm not fighting in this war I wanna drop my arms and take your arms And walk you to the shore I remember building an energy shield In your room, like a temple Swallows in the windless field Very thin, with your mother Tall as a pale green tree Very wild, bright as winter Rising with a prism key And a child to deliver Taken with the blood and vine As the first little angel Little Andy, soft in your newborn skin Only one, little Andy, will you return again? I believe we can renew And you could be my brother Once again, fall asleep with our backs against each other You believe, I believe too That you are the river of light who I love That I sing to in the belly of the empty night From the 31st floor of the simulation swarm With the drone of fluorescence Flicker, fever, fill the form With a warm gush, now I wanna touch Like we never could before I'd fly to you tomorrow, I'm not fighting in this war I wanna drop my arms and take your arms And walk you to the shore I'd fly to you tomorrow, I'm not fighting in this war I wanna drop my arms and take your arms

[@andrescarreno7327]

Te ame😅

[@joan6020]

ok. this is finally happening and it's better than expected.

[@spempo]

Reminds me of my little sister whom I have been way too emotionally distant from ever since college. Making me tear up.

[@oliviastrees]

There's something so magical about that instrumental at 2:16... no surprise it's the most replayed part of the video

[@moleratical1232]

I don't see how anyone can only listen to part of this song

[@julianbleh]

This is the band I will always go back to

[@Goaterd]

This is the band I will always go to

[@TheCursedJudge]

um

[@cembot66]

Gorgeous melody, magnificent lyrics, love the guitar riff, the vocals are masterful, instruments so unusually combined but so harmonious and smooth. I can't believe I've just discovered this band but I'm so glad I have!

[@jennifersmind]

every time i hear this song i break out into tears

[@Mixed_Up-]

Same. Every time the song is almost over I realize I have tears streaming down my face. This song makes me feel so much at once.

[@jxy93]

Rhyming "arms" with "arms" is pure genius. All joking aside, I love this song.

[@robertvoss5522]

I heard Adrianne play this in Minneapolis a couple of months ago and loved it. Didn't know what song it was and I'm very grateful for this version. So juiced for the new record. Every track posted has slapped so wonderfully.

[@th3lo]

I was at one of the two shows she did at the Cedar back in november. So so great

[@deniswing1]

I'm in the library crying all my tears silently

[@soojunimo]

i cry without fail everytime this songs comes on

[@zacklanigan116]

A couple of months ago if people had asked if I liked Big Thief I would have shrugged and went yeah they got a couple decent songs. But this new album has me genuinely so hyped. Every single has been incredible and it’s gotten me listening to their older stuff which I realised I’d massively underrated!

[@bradley364]

This album is shaping up to be a masterpiece.

[@user-zb3jc6zl6h]

me as well, i had certainly liked a couple songs for a long time but this whole album is unbelievable.

[@averyanahi]

This is so pretty. Makes me feel like I'm walking through a magical forest for some reason lmao

[@fernhausluv44]

For me its an open clearing by a temperate forest; close friends are having a picnic. The sun is going down, but no one is alone. Warmth is shared through the fire of song, and a spirit of goodwill flows like honey and wine.

[@averyanahi]

@@fernhausluv44 thats a beautiful description!!

[@nathanwindom3978]

This is going to be the song that I come back to years from now and immediately associate with the early 2020s

[@ohWnoraA]

it's like i can see my childhood memories with every loop of that riff. beautiful stuff

[@LuminousBraid]

I don't understand how a song could be this good.

[@gerardoiglesias4164]

She's someone I wanna stay with forever, and cause she shared this song with me, tears dropped from my eyes remembering the first time we both fell in love and how beautiful she is even though she thinks she isn't. I love that girl so much

[@doll-s1o]

this song is just so breath taking the rythm and the lyrics and just the whole song in general is the definition of beauty

[@jonahartistdavis1858]

Only band that I listen to at the moment also only band recently that helps me feel at home being far away from my family. They are priceless.

[@The4rcher]

Some people seeing this as a happy song and others seeing it as a sad song feels so laurel and yanny to me

[@shakespeareruby3883]

i had a vivid dream two nights ago where i picked up my daughter, about three years old, gave her a cuddle and sang her this you believe, I believe too, that you are the river of light, who I love that I sing to in the belly of the empty night it was very sweet (i have no kids)

[@majestictwelve2401]

one of the most beautiful songs i've ever heard in my life

[@randytate2755]

I just love everything about this song.

[@jackshaver5416]

Throw some love to Max and James on bass and drums! Easy for them to get overlooked but they really set a perfect backdrop and groove for Adrianne and Buck to go wild. Can't wait for this album!

[@mopsvonmiez]

You're absolutely right.

[@paulpratt8769]

Been hooked on this jam. Hard.

[@Natsters46]

I’m starting to really think we could be in for an all-time great album

[@colecaine.]

2 years later and it’s still sooooo good. Imo, this places Big Thief firmly at the top in the current indie folk scene.

[@williamchartrand]

This music has the power to soothe our brains, hearts and souls. Thank you for the precious gift.

[@Mahdi83-k6o]

1:22 from the 31st floor of the simulation swarm🗣️🗣️🗣️🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@bellumsounds]

What a vibe. Adrianne is unparalleled

[@kevinford1591]

One of the best songs I've ever heard... masterfully written. I love how the drums build gently as the song goes along.

[@zmrushlow2720]

Best band on the planet right now

[@JA-rc2jp]

And it’s not even close

[@asior34]

Love them but I also recommend to check out DIIV and Alvvays and IDLES.

[@BlackHoon]

@@asior34 idles are poo

[@m3478-4]

@@BlackHoon nahh

[@BlackHoon]

@@m3478-4 you’re right, they’re not poo, they are utter shite.

[@crayonmusic3334]

What a beautiful song, it brings up such a feeling of peaceful nostalgia yet I only just heard it the other day. A truly inspiring work of art.

[@KeiferSalle]

This just got recommended to me, and I have to say that I enjoy it! I've been listening to a lot of indie folk-rock -ish music and it's just blissful to the ears.

[@kylehughes2523]

You guys are sick. Somehow familiar and so different at the same time Also, this song's been stuck in my head all day (specifically the acoustic riff at the beginning)

[@thorn99thorn]

This feels like the perfect middle point between Two Hands and UFOF.

[@Goaterd]

This studio version as all that I prayed for and more

[@luz564]

This song has so many beautiful words,i can't explain

[@AlexRaftas]

Adrienne does it again.....beautifully written.

[@Melmonium]

I'm not sure if I'm crazy or if this song is about menstruation and childbirth. "Once again, empty horses gallop through the violet door, follow red, crooked courses, shadows on the moonlit floor," "once again we must bleed new," "from the 31st floor"; there's a lot of messaging about blood, the moon, the month, and expectations. It's so subtle and the most lyrically beautiful description of a period I've ever heard.

[@spucclah8039]

its not about periods, its more about conception and childbirth

[@reverently]

i always thought the 31st floor line was more literal as in she gave birth in that floor of a hospital underneath fluorescent lights. imo i think it’s more so an ode to giving new life, and whoever Andy is died too soon and they wish he could be brought back anew again

[@javsies]

​@@reverently andy is lenker's biological brother, who she has never met

[@denneyandthejets7833]

this song WRECKS me emotionally, love it. thank you big thief.

[@tedankhamenbonnah4848]

I'm having a tough time of it. This song is resonating perfectly with my hurt self...

[@nilsolofleif8886]

Finally. First time I knew the lyrics by memory before a song was even released haha

[@JoeyEppard3]

Favorite new track so far, beautiful work all around!

[@ajbratley9082]

so beautiful

[@JoeGhoul]

Heard this song on the radio. Hypnotic & melodic. Great lyrics, voice and instrumentation. This reminds me of Modest Mouse in the best way possible, felt like the first time I listened to lonesome crowded west many moons ago. It's great to know there is music like this still being made, enjoy all of your creative endeavors and good luck 🍀✌️🎶

[@vos7361]

I’ll never forget hearing this song for the first time as I was driving to see my ex partner for what I thought was the last week ever. Hearing that line about “taking you to the shore” Made me bawl my eyes out thinking we wouldn’t get to build a family after all 😞

[@MemoryOfGreen278]

I heard this song for the first time going to class on a packed bus at 7am as it passed the town's cemetery. And now every time I hear it i think of the morning light covering the overgrown weeds and the graves

[@MONOKATESWIFE]

Skibidi toilet

[@username444-k6t]

the first time i heard this song i was driving istg i nearly crashed, this song is so angelic and well done

[@JacketAndTie]

I have never gotten this many shivers relistening to a song

[@etamommy]

on some of these songs I hear echoes of Fleetwood Mac (the latter version) such as in Tusk. The break at about 2:20 for example. This is an intriguing album.

[@imnothereimnotanywhere]

This song feels unreal...

[@ilovesweettea_theperson]

this song is just the vibe.

[@billymack1778]

damn. this is good. i'll call myself a very casual fan, i love the masterpiece song but this right here has me amped. amazing song. so subdued and rich at the same time.

[@miguelalonsogarcia2475]

So excited for the album

[@Clueless_001]

Going through a break up rn, and this song has been my go-to all week; i love it so much ❤️🎶

[@tekno47]

genuinely perfect song

[@strawberrybee9764]

Bro i had this song beginning in my head for MONTHS and couldnt find the song, finally found it!!!

[@Hobopower84]

There's something Kurt Vile-ish about this... and I love it.

[@gfrizzleshizzlemanizzle]

They should do a rendition with Kurt!

[@deathtomb]

ya this album is already incredible. they are on to something with the direction in it. think a lot of artist will want to achieve something similar near future.

[@agustinamonardes1352]

adrianne is the best songwriter ever

[@owoden2361]

it's been a while since a song as changed my prospective on life so profoundly. thank you I needed this.

[@gracious3283]

Instantly one of my favorite Big Thief songs uffff

[@sojungvage9740]

best guitar solo I heard in a long while!!!

[@Rouge31]

I'm obsessed with this.

[@ast3ria_blue]

as someone whos never really met their brother, although by more metaphorical means, this song makes me wanna curl up in a ball and sit there for a bit. not really sad but not happy, some kind of inbetween

[@ponsceline2529]

This song and “Wait a Second!” by Lukaz are some of the only things getting me through the beginning of 2022. Times may be tough but everything going to be okay in the end. I hope everyone is doing well. I love you! 💝💝

[@notbob.ross33]

Ugh im so happy you gave your input ive been trying to interpret this song as times have been so hard and dark and unsure but still clinging onto that light and hope itll all be okay

[@tanishkaprasad8657]

this song makes me feel so nostalgic

[@TheDreamingJune]

This is just immaculate from start to finish.