MGMT – MGMT

I have strong opinions about the state of music today. Some people would object to them, I even object to them most of the time. But the fact is that for those honest to the art of creating music, it exists to bring joy, energy, sadness, or any emotional response. However, that only happens when it’s created well and thought out so that it does make an impact in some way, shape or form…if it’s not, then it’s just a bunch of notes that somehow make sense.

I’d like to think that founding members of MGMT; Benjamin Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden share that opinion of an honest musical art. From the sounds of their latest self-titled album, it appears that they do indeed. MGMT’s self-titled album MGMT was released September 17, 2013, about a year after it’s announcement. The songs are a pieces of art that you can listen to over and over and still find something new to explore. MGMT’s sound is, to put it lightly, unique. It always has been and this album doesn’t change that.

The particular mix of the psychedelic and rock vibes flow softly over the poppy lyrics that are far more than your just a typical chorus lines. There’s also a couple of unique sounds that you wouldn’t expect to hear together. Included on the album is a cover of “Introspection” by a not so recognizable band called Faine Jade. The cover seems like it was meant to bring people back from the wild, synth-filled forest that they’ve created in this album. However, MGMT is a bit too synth’ed up in certain songs to the point where it just gets confusingly trippy. Perhaps that’s the point. Overall, it’s a solid album, though I’m personally still partial to their first album, Oracular Spectacular.

MGMT isn’t geared for everyone’s listening pleasure, and it’s good to see that Columbia Records hasn’t pushed them too much on that either. It’s got an easy-listening feel to it which makes it…well easy to listen to. Benjamin and Andrew are keeping true to their sound. My suggestion is to start with the first track, “Alien Days” and work your way in on a lazy saturday.