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| Photo: Brad Elterman |
MGMT - Little Dark Age (Columbia Records)
Released: February 9th, 2018
Alternative and psych-pop all-stars MGMT are back with their first album in four years, Little Dark Age. This is their fourth full-length album as well as a follow up to 2013's self-titled release.
Without a doubt one of the biggest names in alternative music, MGMT will always be known for their breakout album Oracular Spectacular. This record included their main hits, like "Kids", "Time to Pretend", and "Electric Feel".
Their second full-length album, Congratulations (2010), was different than their debut, but it still contained that same energy, appeal and creativity that their debut held. Through synthesizers and experimental sounds, MGMT was creating music that could carry the listener away to another dimension while at the same time appeal to the most common music fan. They continue this vibe on LDA.
On the face of this new album there are fantastic synth-pop and psych-rock tracks, but on the flip side there are deep cuts that will satisfy the most invested fans. LDA follows common music trends by reviving sonics from the 1980's, but at the same time, adding modern elements and sounds to create a highly enjoyable experience.
The main single from LDA was the self-titled track. Right from the beginning of the song, eerie synthesizers creep in to create a sound that we've never heard from them before. Dark and gothic elements surround the song while the stiff drum-machine takes place. The effects on the vocals are slightly echoed, developing a truly ominous perception. Although the theme is dark, the song is still extremely catchy; lead by darkened synth arpeggiators, Little Dark Age is a goth-pop hit.
The rest of the singles are true highlights as well. "When You Die", "Me and Michael" and "Hand it Over" all contain that original and distinguishable "MGMT sound".
My favorite on the album, "When You Die", is a smooth psych-rock song. The primary melody is accompanied by a creative pick-melody. It sits right on top of the instrumental nicely and comfortably next to the vocals. Gentle and soft guitar work fills the sides. Although the song sounds generally upbeat and cheery, the lyrics dive into something else...
"Go fuck yourself
You heard me right
Don't call me nice again
Don't you have somewhere to be at seven thirty?
Baby, I'm ready, I'm ready, ready, ready to blow my brains out"
The latter half of the track includes a short jam along with more airy and light synthesizers, rounding out one of MGMT's best songs to date.
"Me and Michael" follows a similar path. A simple kick-snare pattern and bass synth lay the groundwork while a glistening synth medley rides atop the instrumentation. All-in-all this is a very straightforward pop track; the songwriting is simple but still very addictive.
The deep cuts on LDA are extremely solid as well. Other standouts include "TSLAMP", "James", "One Thing Left To Try", and "She Works Out Too Much".
You can find more energy and colorful synth work on "One Thing Left To Try" and "She Works Out Too Much". Both containing catchy hooks and high energy production.
"TSLAMP" discusses the issue of time spent looking at our cell phones. Sucked into a world of social media and online communication, MGMT give their perspective on the topic with this four minute tune.
Overall, LDA was a good album. The singles were fantastic and hands down some of the best material MGMT has ever written. A few of the deep cuts were enjoyable, but some didn't do anything for me as a listener.
On the album's hits, you can hear that MGMT charm that shocked the world back in 2007. The catchy hooks alongside experimental synth work truly shined on LDA. Although this album wont live up to the excellence of Oracular Spectacular or Congratulations, LDA is an album that will forever contain some of MGMT's best songs. Listen below...
Listen: MGMT - When You Die
Genre: Alternative/Psychedelia/Psych-Rock/Synth-Pop/Pop/Alt-Pop/Rock
Rating: 7.5/10
Fav Songs: She Works Out Too Much, Little Dark Age, When You Die, Me and Michael, TSLAMP, James, One Thing Left to Try, Hand It Over
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