Artist: Of Montreal
Title: Icons, Abstract Thee
Label: Polyvinyl Records
Release Date: May 8, 2007
Rating: 5/5

I know it’s a little late to review this album, but I heard it for the first time last week and I have to say, it has become one of my favorites. It’s an EP, which means it isn’t a full album, but all the right parts are there. What I love the most about the EP is that, despite the aggressive pop-iness that Of Montreal does best, the subject and lyrics are pretty heavy. The contrast in subject matter and musical arrangement makes some of the songs the saddest I have heard in a while.

Of Montreal is unique in that, although they have a consistent style and a noticeable sound, all of their songs are different and individual. The lyrics are always “out there,” being a strange breed of wistfulness and delirium. In Icons, the songs cover both love and self-loathing, which is woven into an incredible closing song, ironically entitled No Conclusion.

It’s probably because I’m away from home, or that I listened to this album over and over on a train, but this album just syncs with lonely surroundings. Failed relationships are reflected on with upbeat music–what is more sorrowful than that? It is as though Kevin Barnes understands that looking back on tragedy with a smile is perhaps more heartbreaking than the tragedy itself. Not to mention the joyous, orchestral tunes that seem to ebb in and out of melodies–making the EP pretty much seamless.

Of course, among the depression there is a happy love story done in the way that only Of Montreal can do. Du Og Meg does a great job of making you feel giddy, with its over-the-top love story between a girl who fell in love with a boy who spoke a second language. It’s as though you have just watched two hedgehogs hugging.

If you are a fan of pop, definitely give this EP a listen. Go for a long car drive by yourself, or listen to it on headphones in the park. Oh, the places you will go!

Track List
1. Du Og Meg
2. Voltaic Crusher/Undrum To Muted Da
3. Derailments In A Place Of Our Own
4. Miss Blonde, Your Papa is Failing
5. No Conclusion

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