Album review: MGMT – Loss Of Life▪

MGMT‘s fifth studio album, “Loss of Life,” marks a captivating departure from their recent ventures, embarking on a vibrant, genre-bending journey that’s equal parts enthralling and introspective. Self-produced alongside a seasoned crew including Patrick Wimberly, Dave Fridmann, Daniel Lopatin, and Brian Burton, the album showcases the band’s relentless push towards musical boundaries while retaining their signature sonic fingerprint.

From the very first notes of “Mother Nature,” it’s apparent that MGMT is charting new sonic territory. The track explodes with infectious guitar riffs and buoyant melodies, a testament to the band’s infectious energy. Lyrically, it’s a sun-drenched celebration of the natural world, urging listeners to reconnect with the Earth and its raw beauty. Imagine driving down a dusty highway with the wind in your hair, and “Mother Nature” perfectly captures that carefree, sun-kissed feeling.

The album’s standout collaboration, “Dancing in Babylon,” featuring Christine and the Queens, throws shade on the dancefloor. It’s a tour de force of pop sensibilities seamlessly blended with electronic experimentation. The duet between MGMT and Christine and the Queens is a highlight, their voices intertwining like threads of fate over pulsating beats and swirling synths. The track feels like a glittering fever dream, capturing the intoxicating highs and dizzying lows of love and passion.

MGMT effortlessly channels influences from across the musical spectrum throughout the album, wearing them like well-worn vintage jackets. Tracks like “Bubblegum Dog” pay homage to David Bowie’s glam-rock era but through a distorted lens. Imagine Bowie channelling Lou Reed in a fever dream, and you’ll get a taste of the track’s electrifying energy. In contrast, “People in the Streets” delves into darker territory, exploring themes of societal unrest and existential longing against a backdrop of moody production and haunting melodies. It’s like looking into a cracked mirror, reflecting the anxieties and fears simmering beneath the surface of our modern world.

The introspective moments on “Loss of Life” are equally compelling. “Nothing to Declare” stands bare and stark, a haunting ballad that lays bare the band’s vulnerability. Imagine Leonard Cohen serenading you in a moonlit forest, and you’ll get the melancholic beauty of this track. On the other hand, “I Wish I Was Joking” injects a welcome dose of humour into the mix with its quirky lyrics and playful melodies. It’s like catching a glimpse of MGMT’s lighter side, a knowing wink between friends amidst the heavier themes.

As the album draws to a close with “Loss of Life, Part 2,” listeners are left with a sense of catharsis and reflection. Revisiting themes from earlier tracks, this haunting instrumental serves as a fitting conclusion to the sonic journey MGMT has taken us on. Imagine drifting through an ethereal dreamscape, where echoes of the album’s melodies intertwine and fade into the cosmos. It’s a powerful ending that leaves you thinking long after the final notes fade away.

LOSS OF LIFE IS OUT FEBRUARY 23RD ON MOM + POP

Photograph: Jonah Freeman

Share this :