Biography
The For Carnation functioned as an understated, predominantly acoustic outlet for Brian McMahan, the former Slint and Squirrel Bait musician whose prior bands had relied on angular, abrasive art-punk textures. Like his ex-bandmate David Grubbs in Gastr del Sol, McMahan retained his affinity for intricate, intellectually demanding structures but shifted toward restrained instrumentation and understated dynamics. Fans of Slint found the group's sparse minimalism surprising, and although the project lacked the innovation of his earlier work, its most effective passages derived their quiet, disquieting atmosphere directly from McMahan's established approach. He remained the sole consistent member of an ensemble defined by fluid personnel drawn from concurrent endeavors; the earliest configuration included several Tortoise musicians, later supplanted by figures from both the Louisville and Chicago music communities.
McMahan launched the For Carnation in 1994, continuing a string of notable indie projects. His trajectory had begun with Louisville's influential post-Hüsker Dü outfit Squirrel Bait, proceeded through the pioneering math-rock ensemble Slint, and, after that band's dissolution, led him to Chicago where he briefly contributed to Will Oldham's Palace Brothers alongside ex-Slint colleague David Pajo. McMahan and Pajo began developing material together with former Slint and Squirrel Bait drummer Britt Walford, whose involvement proved short-lived. After Pajo joined Tortoise, two members of that group—bassist Doug McCombs and drummer John Herndon—joined to complete the initial For Carnation lineup, which produced the three-song EP Fight Songs issued by Matador in 1995. Pajo soon departed to focus on Tortoise, his solo work as Aerial M, and additional session roles.
Although McCombs and Herndon participated intermittently, their primary obligations to Tortoise created scheduling conflicts. McMahan assembled the follow-up release, the concise 1996 full-length Marshmallows, incorporating contributions from McCombs, Herndon, and a new configuration that featured former Rodan drummer John Weiss, guitarists Tim Ruth of Evergreen and Michael McMahan (Brian's brother), plus production input from Chicago's Brad Wood. The band then undertook its debut national tour with a lineup comprising the McMahan siblings alongside Louisville musicians guitarist Tim Furnish, bassist Todd Cook (both previously of Crain), and drummer Kip McCabe. At this stage the group's post-rock style invited comparisons to Gastr del Sol as well as slowcore acts such as Codeine and Low.
After leaving Matador for Touch & Go, McMahan relocated back to Louisville and began developing fresh material with Michael McMahan, Todd Cook, and the returning Britt Walford, who was simultaneously active in Evergreen. Runt subsequently compiled the band's early EPs as the collection Promised Works. Walford resumed other commitments later in 1997 and was succeeded by Steve Goodfriend, while Bobb Bruno and Rafe Mandel subsequently joined on guitar and keyboards. Touch & Go ultimately issued the band's most substantial and cohesive album, the self-titled The For Carnation, in 2000. The record featured extensive participation from Tortoise's John McEntire along with appearances by the Breeders' Kim Deal and Rachel Haden of that dog.
McMahan launched the For Carnation in 1994, continuing a string of notable indie projects. His trajectory had begun with Louisville's influential post-Hüsker Dü outfit Squirrel Bait, proceeded through the pioneering math-rock ensemble Slint, and, after that band's dissolution, led him to Chicago where he briefly contributed to Will Oldham's Palace Brothers alongside ex-Slint colleague David Pajo. McMahan and Pajo began developing material together with former Slint and Squirrel Bait drummer Britt Walford, whose involvement proved short-lived. After Pajo joined Tortoise, two members of that group—bassist Doug McCombs and drummer John Herndon—joined to complete the initial For Carnation lineup, which produced the three-song EP Fight Songs issued by Matador in 1995. Pajo soon departed to focus on Tortoise, his solo work as Aerial M, and additional session roles.
Although McCombs and Herndon participated intermittently, their primary obligations to Tortoise created scheduling conflicts. McMahan assembled the follow-up release, the concise 1996 full-length Marshmallows, incorporating contributions from McCombs, Herndon, and a new configuration that featured former Rodan drummer John Weiss, guitarists Tim Ruth of Evergreen and Michael McMahan (Brian's brother), plus production input from Chicago's Brad Wood. The band then undertook its debut national tour with a lineup comprising the McMahan siblings alongside Louisville musicians guitarist Tim Furnish, bassist Todd Cook (both previously of Crain), and drummer Kip McCabe. At this stage the group's post-rock style invited comparisons to Gastr del Sol as well as slowcore acts such as Codeine and Low.
After leaving Matador for Touch & Go, McMahan relocated back to Louisville and began developing fresh material with Michael McMahan, Todd Cook, and the returning Britt Walford, who was simultaneously active in Evergreen. Runt subsequently compiled the band's early EPs as the collection Promised Works. Walford resumed other commitments later in 1997 and was succeeded by Steve Goodfriend, while Bobb Bruno and Rafe Mandel subsequently joined on guitar and keyboards. Touch & Go ultimately issued the band's most substantial and cohesive album, the self-titled The For Carnation, in 2000. The record featured extensive participation from Tortoise's John McEntire along with appearances by the Breeders' Kim Deal and Rachel Haden of that dog.
Albums
