Evolution “Of Montreal” continues successfully
By Sam Webster
If you are already a fan of the indie-pop sensation Of Montreal, then you will be expecting a nothing less than superior from the Athens, Georgia-based band this month. While they achieved great acclaim for their last CD “The Sunlandic Twins,” one can only assume that a progression toward an even more mature sound would be in the future. That is exactly what you will get with the band’s new CD, titled “Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?” in stores Jan. 23.
In their eighth full-length release, Of Montreal set out to get you moving, much like they have on past releases, but something about this record strikes in a different way. While the psychedelic and electronic elements remain, Kevin Barnes and company have produced a very mature sound while still maintaining a child-like, dream-state sort of utopia in their music.
The usually negative, depressing lyrics are like a sing-along, and the bass and synthesizer beats lure you onto the dance floor. It is as if they are daring you to be completely still while listening, which has proven to be quite a difficult task.
Another constant with Of Montreal is their use of the lyrics to tell a story. While all of the stories may not make sense, that is one thing that many have always found to be quite endearing about them. When a band can pull off such an interesting quality as being nonsensical storytellers, why abandon that method?
Of Montreal has created a name for themselves with their ability to weave sometimes elaborate, and other times very simple, tales to electronically infused beats.
In the past, Of Montreal have been fond of more immature storylines and accompanying music, but since the 2004 release “Satanic Panic In The Attic” and continuing on with 2005’s “The Sunlandic Twins,” the band has become more mature in their songwriting skills and abandoned the somewhat child-like telling of tales for a more developed and grown-up approach. In “Hissing Fauna…”, there seem to be some elements inspired by jazz and R&B floating amidst in the sea of synth pop and acid-trip scores.
If you have already heard of this magnificently unique band, then I’m sure you assumed most of what has been revealed in this review, but if you have not had the pleasure of experiencing Of Montreal just yet, this album is sure to get your obsession started.
The CD “Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?” will be available Jan. 23.
