Nostalgic pop experimentation
Aethermead, Of Montreal’s 20th full-length album, contains multitudes yet leaves listeners wondering: is comfort worth more than experimentation?
The front end of the album attempts to revive Beatlemania with its early ‘60s inspired tone. From layered vocals to laid-back percussion and sporadic guitar, each song feels reminiscent of a warmly regarded bygone era. Whether this reverence is purely referential nostalgia or genuinely innovative depends on the track. The album is at its strongest when frontman Kevin Barnes takes on a more personal flair, creating electrifying, dance-worthy tracks that invite repeat listeners. Others, however, lack this distinctiveness, sometimes to the point of predictability.
“Already Dreaming” immediately immerses listeners into the world of Aethermead. It introduces new listeners to Of Montreal’s characteristic insouciance that frequently hides emotional vulnerability beneath layered instrumentation. It establishes one of the album’s greatest strengths: impressively stratified guitars that slide through scales as if it is their second nature, effortlessly adding texture and depth to the record.
Things heat up with “When,” which details Barnes’ fiery desire outweighing his identity and hindering his emotional honesty. While the song features stinging electric guitar and throbbing bass that is guaranteed to get people moving, its lyrics often veer into immature territory. “All these feelings are like having rabies, but I’m not competing with that nepo-baby” feels oddly misplaced coming from the mouth of a seasoned 52-year-old musical veteran.
Once the album returns to its relaxed, beachy tone, its lyrical maturity returns as well. After “When” comes “Hack It Up,” a song that feels more assured and self-aware. Barnes sings about the “Oedipal world out there” and poetically describes an enigmatic woman in a uniquely engaging manner. What results is a playfully eccentric track filled with engaging, creative lyrics.
“Having a Moment” unites the best parts of both aforementioned songs. It has provocative lyrics reminiscent of “When,” but ties in a fuller production style to create something entirely its own. Rather than being juvenile, its lyrics are clever and youthful yet never underdeveloped. “From the Font of You” somehow betters its predecessor. It perfectly balances gentle, airy guitar and dark, inflammatory lyrics for a new listening experience each time it plays.
Of Montreal’s Aethermead is broody, self-effacing, atmospheric and confident enough that it cannot help but feel cool. It offers a little for everyone, from die-hard 1960s pop fans to contemporary indie folk listeners.
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