Fan Modine

In a way, Fan Modine is Gordon Zacharias. The Carrboro musician’s literary songwriting and gentle vocals lend a distinction to this unabashedly twee project. Yet, in another way, Fan Modine is a representation of so many things that are musically right in the Triangle. With two-dozen locals—including members of the N.C. Symphony, Orquestra GardDel, The Rosebuds, Birds and Arrows and Let’s Active—credited on the band’s new Gratitude for the Shipper, Fan Modine is a richly textured offering of intelligently rendered pop presented by an all-star cast.

Much credit goes to producer Jefferson Holt (R.E.M.’s manager for 15 years) for helping organize such ambitious orchestration: With Holt’s resources and engineer Chris Stamey’s experience with bands like Yo La Tengo and Whiskeytown, Zacharias’ artistic vision could be fully realized. The last Fan Modine LP brought home a gushing review and an 8.0 on Pitchfork, but that was in 2004. Now, so many years later, Gratitude plays like a thankful continuation—not a loss—of that momentum.

“Wormwood Scrubs” is a pleasant little pop jaunt, outlining V for Vendetta-style English urban riots peopled by BBC actresses in character. It’s strange, infectious and beautifully delivered. Familiar flavors point to ’60s pop, as with the rounded melody and mid-tempo jangle of “Another Eventail.” It expands that palette with semi-tropical auxiliary percussion and a brass section. Zacharias’ time in Boston and New York is evident through the urban tint of “End of the Line.”

The ballads at the record’s close bear impressive emotional weight. “Satan, he tried to trick me/ by saying my dreams would come true,” sings Zacharias on an album that may have easily remained unrealized and unreleased. “But I am the dream and the dreamer.” —Corbie Hill