MGMT “ORACULAR SPECTACULAR” ALBUM REVIEW
Posted by Jen on 14.04.2008, 18:27
The debut album from MGMT is not the greatest I’ve ever heard. The duo, hailing from Connecticut originally, used computers to create one-off live shows back in their university days, with one long track created for each show. But, instead of showing off a highly creative band, “Oracular Spectacular” relies on sounds nicked from other, far superior bands. And the best moments, unfortunately for MGMT, are when you’re reminded of another record.
For example, the bass sounds used on ‘Weekend Wars’ and ‘The Youth’ are redolent of the Beatles’ White Album. And it’s this cross between 60’s rock and psychedelia that MGMT are obviously most eager to recreate, even if they’re only successful on occasion.
The opening track, ‘Time to Pretend’, is promising to begin with. It starts with a snatch of glitchy electronic sounds, before a Aphex Twin-style synth cuts through. So far, so good. Then the most boring rock beat comes in and continues throughout the rest of the track, with a rasping bass that rarely changes underneath. In addition, some truly terrible lyrics grace this track. To wit, ‘Let’s make some music / make some money / find some models for wives,’ and ‘How about you parachute some heroin and fuck with the stars?’ Whether they’re trying their best to appear cool, or anti-cool, I can’t work out. It’s certainly not a good image.
The synth and drum programming, for a band that rely on computers so much, is damn poor. It just plods along, without a single bit of inspiration. On the other hand, when MGMT decide that guitars should be used, they produce some far more interesting stuff, with variation and brilliant use of harmony. I suppose Simon and Garfunkle or the Rolling Stones are the obvious references for these odd nu-folk tracks. But the most annoying thing about the album is the fact that it mixes electro tracks with more traditional retro rock tracks. Rarely are these combined to any kind of useful effect. Instead, the album is split down the middle, which is bound to annoy listeners.
Nevertheless, there are some highlights on this record, which may see MGMT producing something of worth later on down the line. ‘Of Moons, Birds & Monsters’ is a genuinely good track, which is hard to label with another band. There are elements of Broken Social Scene and other New York art-rock outfits, but really MGMT come into their own when they mix prog-rock with their highly reverb-drenched vocals. The last track, ‘Future Reflections’ is much more frenetic, with good use of effects throughout. If MGMT continue in this vein they might be an acceptable band in a couple of years. For those that can’t wait that long, check out the Brian Jonestown Massacre instead.
Review by Craig Hitchings.