Pitchfork review: “Megafaun stand out from a crowded field of Americana-inspired indie rock bands because of their investment in musical heritage, from old-time string bands and traditional folk ballads to jazz to 20th century classical. Last September in Durham, the historically rich North Carolina city the band calls home, they collaborated with former bandmate Justin Vernon, Brooklyn singer/songwriter Sharon Van Etten, and Virginia jazz combo Fight the Big Bull on an expansive reinterpretation of one of American folk’s sacred documents, Sounds of the South, the anthology recorded by Alan Lomax circa 1960. It’s no stretch to imagine that Megafaun multitasker Phil Cook’s immersion in this venerable material shaped the deep-rooted simplicity of his solo debut.
