It's new to me: Of montreal
Mayumi Kurotsu
Issue date: 4/27/09 Section: A&E
Thanks to Andrew VanWyngarden from MGMT, I discovered Of Montreal and the linchpin Kevin Barnes. VanWyngarden and Barnes have recently collaborated on a project called Blikk Fang.
Although Of Montreal might have already been popular, it is new to me. The band's seventh album, "The Sunlandic Twins," released in 2005, gave me an incredible impulsion as if I were hit by a giant hammer.
Of Montreal is an American indie psych-pop band formed by Barnes, the guitarist, vocalist and main writer. Of Montreal was formerly a band, but actually seems to be equivalent to Barnes's solo project, especially after "Satanic Panic in the Attic" was released in 2004. The band has released nine albums and is known for their colorful, mysterious and well-crafted stage performances.
"The Sunlandic Twins" was my first Of Montreal experience. Bizarre but addictive, meticulously structured sounds, sheer pop melodies, synth-driven arrangements, a shiny electronic world - these words came to my mind at first listening. Throughout the album, Of Montreal's dreamy and surreal world is perfectly established. A shower of electronic joy makes me feel as if I've been taken to a different world. Although they are an American band, it is obvious the band has been influenced by the mid-60s psychedelic and experimental UK rock era as typified by the Beatles' "Revolver."
"The Party's Crashing Us" is one of the highlights of the album. It has an enduringly dazzling catchy melody and gleeful dance-pop rhythms.
Barnes's abstract and enigmatic lyrics are weird but infectious. In "Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games," he sings airily 'Let's pretend we don't exist, let's pretend we're in Antarctica.'
Of Montreal is holding a concert in Oakland in July, supporting their latest album "Skeletal Lamping." It will be a great opportunity to witness the band's surreal world through a real performance.
Although Of Montreal might have already been popular, it is new to me. The band's seventh album, "The Sunlandic Twins," released in 2005, gave me an incredible impulsion as if I were hit by a giant hammer.
Of Montreal is an American indie psych-pop band formed by Barnes, the guitarist, vocalist and main writer. Of Montreal was formerly a band, but actually seems to be equivalent to Barnes's solo project, especially after "Satanic Panic in the Attic" was released in 2004. The band has released nine albums and is known for their colorful, mysterious and well-crafted stage performances.
"The Sunlandic Twins" was my first Of Montreal experience. Bizarre but addictive, meticulously structured sounds, sheer pop melodies, synth-driven arrangements, a shiny electronic world - these words came to my mind at first listening. Throughout the album, Of Montreal's dreamy and surreal world is perfectly established. A shower of electronic joy makes me feel as if I've been taken to a different world. Although they are an American band, it is obvious the band has been influenced by the mid-60s psychedelic and experimental UK rock era as typified by the Beatles' "Revolver."
"The Party's Crashing Us" is one of the highlights of the album. It has an enduringly dazzling catchy melody and gleeful dance-pop rhythms.
Barnes's abstract and enigmatic lyrics are weird but infectious. In "Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games," he sings airily 'Let's pretend we don't exist, let's pretend we're in Antarctica.'
Of Montreal is holding a concert in Oakland in July, supporting their latest album "Skeletal Lamping." It will be a great opportunity to witness the band's surreal world through a real performance.
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