MGMT was one of 2008’s biggest break-out artists because of great synth-pop tracks on their debut, Oracular Spectacular, like “Time to Pretend,” “Electric Feel” and “Kids.” But if you heard the whole album, you know that this trip-crazy http://iga.edu/best-custom-essay-writers/ duo aren’t all about big beats and dancey synthesizers.
In MGMT’s highly-anticipated follow-up, Congratulations, the duo explore more of their 60’s psychedelic influences (I mean, who needs drugs to trip when you can just watch their music videos?), along with a little of everything spruced in between.
The opening song, “It’s Working,” starts off with a riff that sounds similar to surf rock of the 60’s. Bongos and what sounds like a harpsichord grace this song, along with Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden voices harmonizing in way similar to classic 60’s R&B such as the Shirelles’ “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” I know that’s kind of a stretch, but the harmonies really have that 60s R&B ring to it. Especially when those big drums kick in about halfway through. Aside from that, there are quick drums and quick strokes on the harpsichord that really compliment the singular guitar melody.
“Someone’s Missing” is a fairly short track that starts off very slow with a light guitar and whirring sound effects in the background. VanWyngarden’s falsetto accompanies everything from a sitar to a softly echoing organ, which gives the song a very earthy (read: watery) feel. A buzzing guitar then comes in during the buildup and the song turns into a classic MGMT jam. The guitar has subtle soul roots and the vocals are much like a kid chorus. It’s a great slow song build-up that gets you pumped up and though it’s short, it’s definitely a highlight.
Finally, the album’s title and final track opens with acoustic guitar and something that sounds like a Chinese harp. With the technology these days and MGMT’s tendency to turn to machines though, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a keyboard. Not necessarily a bad thing and it’s definitely an interesting sound to open the track with. The vocals are soft as they are during a great deal of this album and the acoustic guitars definitely give you a soft, mellowed-out vibe to end the album on.
Though Congratulations doesn’t have the big, dance-pop hits that MGMT provided in Oracular Spectacular, this new release is a pretty good sophomore album. I’m a little disappointed in the shift of focus, but that doesn’t make it bad. I just happen to be partial to shaking my butt off to some heavy synths. At any rate, definitely pick up Congratulations and give it a whirl!
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have you guys seen the video for Flash Delirium http://www.whoismgmt.com
Extremely strange, but I love it!