To be as blunt as possible, synthpop is very in at the moment. A genre that first became prominent back in the early 80's, it saw acts like Yellow Magic Orchestra and Depeche Mode help pave the way for acts to come later on throughout the 90's and 2000's. Even just taking a look back to last year will show you a plethora of fantastic synth based releases, with the likes of Carly Rae Jepsen, Chvrches, and Neon Indian all releasing fantastic synth driven albums (and if you want to read my thoughts on Carly Rae's E•MO•TION you can do so here.)
So where does Chairlift come into all of this synth music being put out of late? Well, with the release of their newest full-length LP Moth, the Colorado based duo are clearly showing that they have been inspired by the synth-pop acts of late, as rather than sticking to their dream-pop/electronica roots, they've embraced the trend themselves, and while they've frequently incorporated the synthesizer into their sound, on the new album we see it become their primary instrument for the first time.
From the moment Look Up, the album's opening track begins, it becomes evident that this is not the same album that other artists of the genre have been putting out. In fact, throughout the album, it feels as if not only are Chairlift embracing the synthpop sound, but they are also looking to explore every crack and crevice of the genre. While Look Up serves as an intriguing taste of what's to come, it ends being somewhat of an afterthought once you get into the best that this album has to offer, beginning with the following track Polymorphing. Not only does the track serve has an incredibly catchy and enjoyable listen, but it also seems to be modelled after the same style found on Neon Indian's latest album VEGA INTL. Night School. Even with the clear influence, Chairlift still manage to separate themselves from their peers through many different unique elements used in their sound.
Also unlike some other acts in the scene, the duo frequently go out of their way to incorporate many different instruments on tracks throughout the album. Just take a look at the acoustic guitar featured on Romeo or the violin used in the outro of Ottawa to Osaka for proof of the bands versatility. We also see them take risks by incorporating loud, booming drums at times, as well as lots of progression throughout the tracks. The aforementioned Ottawa to Osaka is easily the best example of that progression, as the song opens with a bit of somewhat of an experimental sound, before settling down as Caroline Polachek begins singing. Not only is her voice fantastic on that track, but also throughout the album, as she delivers beautifully sung hook and after beautifully sung hook, sometimes delivering the lyrics in a hushed whisper, and on one track in particular playing around with a more raw style.
That track is Unfinished Business, and easily serves as one of the project's less interesting cuts, as Polachek seems to be looking to let her vocals loose on the chorus, but for whatever reason sounds as if she's being held back as her voice cracks and ultimately falters out. The track isn't helped much by also containing the most uncreative and uninspired instrumental featured on Moth. Having said that, aside from Unfinished Business, even the lesser cuts on the album are still quite enjoyable. Tracks I found forgettable after my first few listens like Look Up, and the closer No Such Thing As Illusions I'm now finding myself enjoying and coming back to semi-regularly. As much as Chairlift succeeded in creating great radio-ready catchy singles, they also paid a lot of attention to insuring the flow of the album remains consistent and almost every track has something to offer.
From beginning to end, Moth is an album chalked full of danceable, catchy, sing-a-long pop tunes that anyone with an appreciation for pop music will enjoy. Is this an essential synthpop record? Of course not. It does stand on it's own though, and can easily rival any of last year's releases of the same genre.
Favorite Tracks: Polymorphing, Romeo, Ch-Ching, Crying in Public, Moth to a Flame
Least Favorite Tracks: Unfinished Business
Rating: 4/5
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