Of Montreal: "Skeletal Lamping"
By Maha Abbas "Skeletal Lamping," out Oct. 21, is the Of Montreal's ninth studio release. Fans cannot complain even though the direction the band takes is undeniably different, almost incomparable to their other releases. "Nonpareil of Favor," the opening track, is quite the shocker with its sudden change in structure midway, abundance of energy, guitar thrashing and drum pulsing. "An Eluardian Instance," one of the highlight tracks, makes "Cherry Peel" (1997 debut album) look simply underdressed, with trumpet instrumentation, pleasant lyrics and passionate vocals. "Triphallus, to Punctuate!," another track, incorporates the similar melodic and upbeat bass line that can be compared to "Wrath Pinned to the Mist" off the previous album "The Sunlandic Twins." The track "Death Is Not a Parallel Move," is a great example of the overuse of vocal echoing and synthesized backups heard on "Skeletal Lamping." The use of piano in the forefront is also noteworthy. It exemplifies the pop-ier direction the band took. Frontman Kevin Barnes elaborates even more on his androgynous vocals (a combination of persona and high range) in this release, but also seems to have mastered the importance of voice over music. "Skeletal Lamping," in general, leaves off on a happier note, opposing the apparent anger and depression the album "Hissing Fauna, Are you the Destroyer?" radiated. One of the only complaints avid fans might have is the overly pop sound they have acquired. Melodic and ear pleasing, it might come off as nauseating to some. Regardless, Of Montreal will always be one of those bands that just stand out. They aren't even from Montreal. But, they are the American dream of musicians, with their roots in minimalist acoustics, adapted into a decadent, flowery sound. Barnes is a sex symbol, an enigma, and apparently doesn't take his career too seriously. Lyrics alone, Skeletal Lamping is loads of fun and outlandish lines. Top 5 quotes from Skeletal Lamping: 5."Oh don't you pimp out my heart/ Don't you pimp out my heart"- "An Eluardian Instance" 4."I can't help if it's true, don't wanna be your man, I just want to play with you." - "Id Engager" 3."We can do it soft-core if you want, but you should know I take it both ways" - "For Our Elegant Caste" 2. "They love you at the office cuz you ban the subject of countless masturbation fantasies." - "Mingusings" 1. "I'm so sick of sucking the dick of this cruel cruel city" - "St.Exquisite's Confession" |
