If there?s one thing that can undoubtedly be said about MGMT?s new album, Congratulations, it?s that the band certainly hasn?t gotten too repetitive with their music. While their debut album, Oracular Spectacular, was filled with catchy pop singles, Congratulations features an entirely different sound.
The new album is much more unpredictable, as songs include everything from harpsichords to sudden flute solos. The band is very obviously influenced by the psychedelic sounds of the 1960s, an influence that is most apparent in the first song released from the album, “Flash Delirium.”
The song alternates between being meandering and chaotic, and is one of the better songs on the album. Although the new sound certainly takes some getting used to, “Flash Delirium” is infectious and just plain fun. While some of the lyrics may indicate some serious emotional problems on the part of band members Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden (the lines “the mirror ball?s throwing mold/You can?t get a grip if there?s nothing to hold/ See the flash catch a white lily laugh and wilt/But if you must smash a glass first fill it to the hilt” are particularly outlandish), the song perfectly represents the album as a whole.
Other songs are similarly catchy, including “It?s Working”, “Brian Eno” and “I Found a Whistle.” All of these songs have their more bizarre moments, but they feature some of the same elements as the band?s previous work. Each song is fast-paced, heavily using synthesizers and keyboards; but they also include the frequent use of both guitar and bass, which were primarily background instruments on the band?s first album.
However, some of the songs on the album get a bit too long-winded and strange to be really enjoyable. Tracks such as “Lady Dada?s Nightmare” and “Siberian Breaks” wander aimlessly for about five and 10 minutes, respectively, and are barely coherent. However, the title track that concludes the album reveals another side to the band. It?s slow, yet purposeful, with the frequent use of acoustic guitars. It?s a bit of a surprise after hearing nine tracks full of loud synthesizers, but certainly a welcome change.
Overall, it?s clear that MGMT is not afraid to take chances and isn?t content resting on the success of their first album. While this experiment sometimes produces fascinating results, such as “Flash Delirium”, at times the band can get just a little too odd for their own good. However, the album is still a very good effort, and represents an excellent synthesis of both the current sound of indie rock and the trippy sounds of the 60s. It?s an inventive album above all else, and a must-listen for fans of alternative rock, despite a few shortcomings.