Tuesday, March 31, 2009

REVIEW: The Microphones - The Glow Pt.2


7 out of 10

If you told me you hate The Microphones I wouldn't blame you. They're Lo-Fi to the hilt, and if that kind of thing doesn't do it for you I'd stay away. The charming thing about "The Glow Pt. 2" is that it sounds like it a friends lost basement tape. It's all really heartfelt, and the production will surprise you at moments. Phil Elvrum's soft sung vocals are refreshingly emotional, but lack much range. Outside the folksy ballads there are moments of experimental noise, white shimmers and mechanical hums that break up the solemn atmosphere. It's the production that makes and breaks this album though. It's always a little muted and never crisp.

If you listen to it enough you can here a symphony underneath rattlling away. If you're the patient type, you'll enjoy the murky undercurrent. Otherwise you'll probably just sum it up as a "passé" indie album. Pitchfork rated it best of the year, back when that really meant something.

Standout Tracks: The Glow Pt. 2, Headless Horseman, My Roots Are Strong And Deep, Instrumental, The Mansion, (Something), I'll Not Contain You

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