Of Montreal : aethermead

Kevin Barnes has been making music as the front man/ringmaster/sole continuous member of the band Of Montreal for nearly 30 years. He emerged from the Elephant 6 Recording Company collective, along with bands like Olivia Tremor Control, Elf Power, the Apples In Stereo, and Neutral Milk Hotel. The one connecting musical DNA was 60s pop. There was also a strong sense of DIY affection.

Most of the bands continued on in that mode, while Barnes took Of Montreal into newer, weirder territory. He created and performed Of Montreal completely on his own in the studio, while putting a band together for tours. He was this androgynous raver that was a mix of Prince, Tiny Tim, and an alien on ecstasy. Each record became more about groove and funk and less about flower power. Albums like The Sunlandic Twins, Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer and Skeletal Lamping defined Of Montreal’s sound throughout the late 2000s, and set up Kevin Barnes as the day-glo Prince of DIY indie rock.

With Of Montreal’s latest, aethermead, Barnes’ takes Of Montreal into almost chamber pop territory. The funky bass and oddball melodic turns have been replaced with piano-led pop tracks. Moreso pulling from the early days with a more pronounced production sheen.

“Already Dreaming” opens the album on a soaring, sugary pop note, Barnes’ vocals restrained and elegant. It’s a great way to open things. “Wanting On Air” brings back the vibes of 2015s underappreciated Aureate Gloom, an album steeped in 70s Todd Rundgren. “Take The Form” adds a touch of 60s fuzz rock, guitars buzzing along an almost monotone vocal. “Having a Moment” is layered in haunted vocal harmonies and a feeling of the Zombies colliding with King Crimson.

Tracks like “From The Thought of You”, “Now We Cringe At The Thought”, to album closer “Dismissal Mosaics” are perfect examples of the tonal shifts Of Montreal are known for.

Whether you know it or not, we’re the better for Kevin Barnes and Of Montreal. aethermead is their best album in years.