Vetiver

Released in 2004, the self-titled debut from Vetiver is a cornerstone of the indie folk revival. Led by Andy Cabic, the album features a collaborative spirit typical of the era, including contributions from Devendra Banhart, Joanna Newsom, and Hope Sandoval. Recorded with a focus on analog warmth and natural reverb, the album avoids the digital sheen of its contemporaries in favor of a 'recorded-to-tape' intimacy. While often grouped with the 'freak folk' movement due to its timing and personnel, Vetiver stands out for its commitment to traditional melodic structures and a breezy, West Coast pastoralism. The track 'Amour fou' and the lengthy closer 'On a Nerve' showcase the band's ability to blend simple acoustic arrangements with a slightly psychedelic, wandering sensibility. It remains one of the most cohesive and enduring documents of the mid-2000s folk underground.