It's difficult to paint a proper picture of the solo debut from
Miike Snow
frontman and co-writer of
Bruno Mars
' Grammy-nominated hit "Grenade" without launching forth a well-intentioned volley of hyperbole. Without a doubt the finest
Odessey and Oracle-esque
, Appalachian Spring-kissed,
Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
and back half of
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
-inspired record of 2013,
Descender
is as bold, subversive, and unpredictable as it is familiar and oddly comforting.
Andrew Wyatt
may not have been on a
Zombies
,
Aaron Copland
Peter Gabriel
-era
Genesis
, and
Flaming Lips
bender during the nine-track, 30-odd-minute album's creation, but its evocative mix of classical, progressive rock, chamber pop, and indie folk certainly invokes the aforementioned artists' mastery of atmosphere. Recorded with the 75-piece
Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
and featuring guest appearances from
Anthony Rossomando
(
the Libertines
),
Brad Traux
Interpol
), and
John Herndon
Tortoise
feels cut from the same burgundy cloth as recent releases from
Owen Pallet
Father John Misty
Edward Sharpe
, but there's a deeper, less-calculated retro vibe at work here that suggests a deep affinity for
Van Dyke Parks
Scott Walker
David Ackles
Harry Nilsson
. Standout cuts like the funereal, alternate universe sock-hop jam "And Septimus...," the propulsive doo-wop/
Morrissey
-imbued "Harlem Boyzz," and the epic, Far East-tinged "Cluster Subs" all utilize traditional pop foundations, but are ultimately carried along by the same undercurrent of psychedelia that casts its shadow over more labyrinthine works like "Horse Latitudes" and the ornate, wonderfully enigmatic closer, "There Is a Spring." It's a lot to take in, especially if you're only familiar with the more singles-oriented electro-pop of his day band, but
Wyatt
's engaging delivery, enigmatic lyricism, and willingness to allow each song to chart its own course make for compelling listening from start to finish. ~ James Christopher Monger