After two years of touring their first album and seeing success hit them like a tidal wave MGMT finally get round to delivering their second album. It seems like that success has had an impact on them as they delve into a deeper state of psychedelia.
Oracular Spectacular
Oracular Spectacular hit the shops on the crest of a wave with its hit single 'Time To Pretend' hitting heavy rotation on MTV. After intensive touring and festival appearances the band built up a fanbase which staggered all genres. Helped by follow ups 'Electric Feel' and 'Kids', the latter of which featured heavily on many television programmes, they looked like another bright American band on the same lines as Vampire Weekend.
Now comes the second album Congratulations. Marking a departure from their debut, they have practically abandoned the user friendly singles which helped them make their name. This time, with the help of producer Sonic Boom, they have opted for a trawl through 60's psychedelia with reference points being Syd Barret and Roky Erikson.
Congratulations
It is not all a trip down memory lane thought. A few listens opens up an album of extraordinary beauty and up to date beats. Dense at first, it soon becomes clear that songs such as Brian Eno and Song for Dan Treacy are just as pop orientated as 'Kids' or 'Time To Pretend'. A great reference point would be Welsh band Super Furry Animals who explore a similar vein.
Whether the casual fan who loved Kids will stick around by the time the album reaches its epic 'Siberian Breaks' remains to be seen. With MGMT refusing to play 'Kids' at their recent gigs it looks like they are trying to turn away from the fame that was all theirs. Having lambasted it in their debut single, they are now making a concerted effort to do whatever they please.
This a refreshing thought in these days when bands come and go and all rely on the hit single to keep them going. For a band to turn the tables on their fans as soon as their second album shows great guts. In a perfect world this album would be as successful as Oracular Spectacular but it looks like they may be heading for mid level fame, albeit one where they can do pretty much what they want to.
So all in all, although not as accessible as its predecessor, the album does worm its way into your subconscious and sticks there. Unlike the new Flaming Lips album, this is one psychedelic masterpiece which is set to be named as one of the best albums of the year.
Martyn Coppack - I am a writer who is just starting out and am looking to concentrate on film, music and literature. Having passed my degree in English and ...
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