Thanks to the success of their self-titled second album,
Warpaint
spent almost a year and a half on the road -- a situation that could make any band's members sick of their songs, and perhaps each other. After finishing their tour, the women of
took some time to pursue different projects:
Jenny Lee Lindberg
issued her solo debut,
Right On!
;
Theresa Wayman
founded
BOSS
with
Hot Chip
's
Sarah Jones
and
All We Are
Guro Gikling
Stella Mozgawa
played with
Kurt Vile
on tour and in the studio; and
Emily Kokal
collaborated with
Paul Bergmann
. When it was time to reunite, the band had months to make an album instead of the years it took to record
.
Heads Up
proves that the quick turnaround suits them; instead of seeming rushed, the album feels spontaneous and fearless. As on
, the band strips away more atmosphere, but where it previously felt like they were refining their music, now it feels like they're redefining it. The muscles and bones of
's songs are more apparent than ever before, along with more intention and intensity. This newfound immediacy is most striking on "New Song," a celebration of new love that rivals
Tegan and Sara
when it comes to smart but undeniably danceable pop. Here and throughout the album, the band takes its hypnotic sensuality in different directions, whether it's the ebb and flow of the R&B-tinged "Dre" or the stark acoustic finale, "Today Dear." Though
sounds more recognizably
as it unfolds, its clarity is felt even in the most mantra-like songs.
Mozgawa
's drumming grounds caressing meditations like "White Out" and "The Stall," while the frankness of "So Good" and "Don't Let Go" brings their dreamy lust down to earth. It all comes together on the dazzling title track, where artful tension and release make it one of the band's most gorgeously restless songs yet. Though the fever-dream beauty of their previous album is missed sometimes,
sound so excited to be making music on
that the feeling can't help but be contagious. [
was also released on LP.] ~ Heather Phares