Review
MGMT's fourth studio album "Little Dark Age" is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, or should I say, down memory lane inserts floppy disk into computer drive. Released in 2018, this album sees the band returning to their roots in pop and electronic music, much to the delight of fans who missed their earlier synth-heavy sound. Standout tracks like the title song and "One Thing Left to Try" are straight-up '80s synth-pop bangers, complete with the requisite neon colors and big hair. Meanwhile, "When You Die" takes a dive into '60s jangle folk, proving that MGMT hasn't completely abandoned their experimental side.
Did you notice? The album was produced by the band in collaboration with some pretty big names, like Ariel Pink and Sébastien Tellier. These songwriting partnerships added a fresh and spontaneous element to the album, much like adding glitter to your hair gel. Despite the mixed reception from critics who felt the album was caught between pop and experimental sounds, fans and critics alike have praised the album for its unique blend of cheerful, eerie, and inviting sounds. It's like a psychedelic trip to the candy store, where everything is covered in glitter and sugar. - Toby
Artist Bio
MGMT is a duo from Middletown, Connecticut, formed by Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser in 2002 while they were students at Wesleyan University. They came to widespread attention after signing to Columbia Records and releasing their debut album "Oracular Spectacular" in 2007, which included hits like "Electric Feel" and "Kids." Blending psychedelic rock, indie, and synth-pop, MGMT have continued to evolve with albums such as "Congratulations," "Little Dark Age," and "Loss Of Life" (2024), occasionally dipping into more experimental or electronic territory. The group earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2009 and have collaborated with artists like Ratatat and Steve Aoki. Fans of bands like Tame Impala, Empire of the Sun, or Passion Pit would likely enjoy MGMT's genre-blurring style and melodic sensibility.
