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 Post subject: Of Montreal - Satanic Panic in the Attic
PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:05 pm 
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Hair Trigger of Doom

Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2004 2:05 pm
Posts: 21295
Location: Subpoenaed in Texas
Listening to Of Montreal's latest album, Satanic Panic in the Attic, is the audio equivalent of touring the chocolate factory with none other than Wonka himself. There's excitement, mischief, whimsy, and even a little danger around every turn. And once you start, there's no turning back until you've completed the entire trip. Fortunately, Kevin Barnes and company are better singers and musicians than the Oompa-Loompas, though both are brilliant lyricists.

There really isn't a weak moment to be found anywhere on Satanic Panic in the Attic. Even the album's only detour from frenzy, "City Bird," is a gorgeous ballad complete with fluting much more sublime than Wonka's repeated calls for damage control. The highlight here is the psychedelic hoedown "Erroneous Escape Into Erik Eckles," which really sums up the entire experience in the line, "Watch out, the music will complete the change in you." Who needs a golden ticket, when you've still got wonderful albums like this being made?

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 Post subject: Another review....
PostPosted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 1:05 am 
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Street Teamer

Joined: Thu Mar 24, 2005 1:32 pm
Posts: 2
Location: Calgary, AB
After 2004's very 60's-sounding Satanic Panic in the Attic, indie rock's prolific Of Montreal has returned with yet another full length, titled The Sunlandic Twins. This time around, most of the Zombies and Beach Boys influence has nearly vanished in favor of disco beats and synthesizers. It's not a complete turnaround, though; although they do experiment with new sounds, much of the album is still gloriously happy and catchy.

In fact, in listening to the first few songs of the album, it almost sounds as if The Sunlandic Twins is a sequel to Disconnect the Dots. Kicking off with 'Requiem O.M.M.2,' the first half is full of Zombies-like melodies and vibrant guitar lines combined with the continuous bass-drum kick that makes up all too much of today's rock music. It all comes together for a poppy, danceable section of the album that's upbeat enough to make it perfect for playing in the summer.

Once the album gets to 'Knight Rider,' however, it changes the style and overall sound completely. The second half is much more experimental (yet still structured), and is deeply textured with strings, choir-like vocals, and even occasional IDM beats. The melodies are still there, but most of the backing music comes off as a cross between The Zombies, the Cocteau Twins, and Aphex Twin. The sound is unique and perhaps even daring, and it adds up to a darkly beautiful whole that ranks among their best work.

The two halves of The Sunlandic Twins combine for a varied whole that's even greater than the sum of its parts, although the songs could also stand alone quite easily. It's not as instantly accessible as Disconnect the Dots, but after a few listens it easily proves to be one of the best albums of the year.

Christian Halley

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