Thu, 2011-09-15 12:58 | by Carles
Neon Indian is one of the most buzzworthy artists of the post-2k9 buzz era. Riding the chillwave vibes to the indiestream, the expectations were higher than evr 4 his sophomore release. For some reason, Pitchfork gave the album a 7.9. In my book, this is a CRAZY CONTROVERSY. Maybe the album is flawed, and is more ambitious than Psychic Chasms, but it feels like indie has agreed that there are some artists who are 'in the club', and other artists who 'aren't', and it always seemed like Neon Indian was 'in the club' or something. This is just a SHOCKING lowball by p4k, and might set a future precedent for score. No longer are relevant buzzbands guaranteed above an 8.35.
Do u agree with this score?
The review is one that 'stays flattering', but doesn't really point out the flaws in the album, even though the score is 'alarmingly low.' Is Neon Indian 'getting blackballed'?
The first sentence mentions 'chillwave' of course.
Some people laugh at chillwave precisely because so many of its practitioners lack a sense of humor. But Alan Palomo is an exception.
The review basically just 'describes how song sound', and doesn't really say anything negative.
The music itself is intricate and accomplished, with dizzying layers of synth arrangements and stray sounds crammed into even the most big-tent cuts-- we're talking rocket-ship noises, phone conversations, lasers, and visceral video-game samples. Despite the kitchen-sink arrangements, the results are taut and defined.
Here is the 'closing' mild backhanded pan, without being a complete pan.
Two albums in, he remains a compelling songwriter. The scrappy charm of Psychic Chasms was hugely appealing from the jump and its brilliant initial flash faded just slightly over time. This is a far more serious record than its predecessor, but Palomo isn't always as assured in rendering the darker material.
R u shocked by this score? Did it 'at least' deserve an 8.0, out of 'respect'?
R u confused abt P4k's 'agenda' with Neon Indian?
What could have earned him a higher score?
Was this album better than Washed Out's "Within & Without"? (8.3 BNM)
Was this album better than Toro Y Moi's "Underneath the Pine"? (8.3 BNM)
Did Neon Indian deserve an 8.3 (BNM)?
Did St. VIncent + Girls 'really' deserve 2 break the 9.0 barrier?
Are they trying to kill chillwave?
What were the flaws/strengths of ERA EXTRANA by Neon Indian?
Is Neon Indian 'over' or does this just mean he should 'go mainstream' and stop writing for 10.0s?
Neon Indian
BuzzbandNeon Indian is a chillwave buzzband from 2k9 that rode chillwaves
Read more>>>>
