"Not" is a critically acclaimed song by American indie rock band Big Thief, released as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Two Hands (2019). Written by Adrianne Lenker and produced by Andrew Sarlo, the track stands out for its raw intensity, poetic lyricism, and powerful performance. Upon its release, "Not" quickly became a fan favorite and earned Grammy nominations for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance.
Musical Style & Composition
- Genre: Indie rock, alternative rock
- Sound: The song is marked by a gradual build-up, beginning with a tense, repetitive guitar riff and Lenker’s urgent, emotive vocals. The arrangement grows in intensity, culminating in a searing, extended guitar solo. The band’s interplay is tight and dynamic, with the track often described as one of their most visceral and cathartic recordings.
- Instrumentation: Adrianne Lenker (vocals, guitar), Buck Meek (guitar), Max Oleartchik (bass), James Krivchenia (drums).
Lyrics & Themes
"Not" is constructed almost entirely through negation. Each line begins with "not" or "nor," describing what something is not, rather than what it is. This anaphoric structure creates a sense of yearning and frustration, as the narrator circles around an unnamed feeling or truth that cannot be directly articulated256.
It’s not the energy reeling
Nor the lines in your face
Nor the clouds on the ceiling
Nor the clouds in space
...
It’s not the room, not beginning
Not the crowd, not winning
Not the planet, not spinning
Not a ruse, not heat
Not the fire lapping up the creek
Not food, not to eat6.
The lyrics evoke a search for meaning and connection, using vivid imagery and contrasts between the abstract and the concrete. The song’s structure and delivery intensify the emotional impact, especially as Lenker’s voice grows more impassioned and the music builds to its explosive conclusion25.
Critical Reception & Legacy
- Accolades: Nominated for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
- Impact: Widely praised for its emotional rawness and musical power, "Not" is often cited as one of Big Thief’s defining tracks and a standout of 2019’s indie rock releases.
- Live Performances: The song has become a staple of the band’s live shows, frequently noted for its extended, improvisational guitar solos and cathartic energy.
Album Context
- Album: Two Hands (2019)
- Release Date: August 13, 2019 (single)
- Label: 4AD
Two Hands is described by the band as the "earth twin" to their earlier 2019 release, U.F.O.F., with a grittier, more grounded sound. "Not" exemplifies this shift, blending raw rock dynamics with poetic introspection235.
Table: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 13, 2019 |
| Album | Two Hands |
| Writer | Adrianne Lenker |
| Producer | Andrew Sarlo |
| Genre | Indie rock, alternative rock |
| Length | 6:07 |
| Grammy Nominations | Best Rock Song, Best Rock Performance |
In Summary
"Not" by Big Thief is a landmark of modern indie rock, celebrated for its innovative use of language, emotional intensity, and the band’s electrifying musicianship. Its use of negation to express inexpressible longing and its climactic guitar solo have made it a touchstone in the band's catalog and a highlight of contemporary rock music1235.
