Earth are an American rock band founded in Olympia, Washington, and led by the guitarist Dylan Carlson. Initially active between 1989 and 1997, their early work is characterized by heavy guitar distortion, drones, and lengthy, minimalist song structures; their 1993 debut album is recognized as a pioneering work of the drone metal genre.
Carlson often jokes he had “one good idea” and ran with it. In reality, Carlson’s had loads of great ideas. This is apparent in Earth’s continuing discography. While their style remains anchored in lingering repetition, every Earth record is different to the last.
When Earth returned in the 2000s, with Adrienne Davies on drums, Carlson resisted the temptation to rehash the sound on which Sunn O))) and others had since capitalized. In 2019, Earth pared back down to the core duo of Carlson and Davies, with the guitarist limiting his layers of effects in order to hone a more “sensual” style.
On their upcoming activities, Earth are excited to work with Fire Records. “We were talking to a bunch of labels and Fire were the first one who didn’t immediately ask us for our streaming numbers,” enthuses Carlson. “They recognise that we’re one of those niche bands that still sell physical products instead of being in some weird internet bubble.” He identifies various acts on the roster as like-minded sonic mavericks: Spacemen 3, Royal Trux, Bardo Pond, The Bevis Frond… “We’ve become one of those bands that has the whole legacy act thing,” he notes. “But I’m also always trying to do new stuff so it seems like a cool spot to be able to do that.”
Looking back at their journey, Earth have always transcended themselves. And they’re ready to do it again.
