Instruments is a musical collective based around Heather McIntosh. Her main instrument is the cello, which she's shredded in artsy bands like Japancakes. In a surreal twist, she was picked up by Gnarls Barkley, which means when that band played Saturday Night Live, a member of Japancakes was on SNL's stage. McIntosh's name on this album might be overshadowed by another one: Jeff Mangum the Neutral Milk Hotel main man, who lends minimal backing vocals to Dark Smaland opener "Ode to the Sea." The Clientele's Alasdair Maclean also guests on the album, and other members of Instruments also play in bands like Elf Power and Olivia Tremor Control.

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Band: http://www.myspace.com/theinstruments

Label: http://www.orangetwin.com