So rarely these days, does a band or artist release two quick-fire releases with such contrasting musical sounds. Due to the ever evolving technology available to musicians, time has become more frequently available to spend, sometimes years at a time to release one album to another. Luke Temple has in just over a year followed up his debut self-titled Here We Go Magic album that combined noise, drones and epic sounds capes yet still managed to hold its indie-pop sound. However, the Brooklyn quintet, has now gone back to a more traditional sound with structured songs that will become more accessible to the audiences that have witnessed their live performances alongside the likes of The Walkmen and Grizzly Bear. Coinciding with headlining slots as well at SXSW, CMJ and various shows in New York City, they have earned well deserved acclaim.
In the form of Pigeons, this is where I feel we will see Here We Go Magic gain the plaudits they deserve on this side of the Atlantic as well. It is an album which we recognise their sound more as a full band rather than a Luke Temple solo project with a backing band behind him.
Pigeons begins with ‘Hibernation’. An ironically titled opener considering how busy the past year has been with regards to touring and promoting. The hypnotic bass loop provides a 1980’s pop feel to the track before the subtle keyboard drones relaxingly in the background. The first single titled ‘Collecter’ is psychedelic pop at its finest and is probably the standout track on this album for me. Other notable numbers on this release include the wonderful keyboard pop of ’Old World United’ which draws all the positive elements of a Paul McCartney fronted Beatles track. In addition, the minimalist percussion in penultimate track ‘Vegetable Or Native’ is a rare example that is highly reminiscent of the debut Here We Go Magic record and it reminds the listener of what they can still do.
The production for me is one of the stand out features throughout this release. Where their last album may be given for being drowned in noise, Pigeons however, features extensive use of overdubs and production techniques but are relatively low in the mix that it allows you to properly listen to the record and discover something new with every play. Tracks such as ‘Surprise’, ‘F.F.A.P.’ and ‘Land of Feeling’ aren’t the most up tempo and attention grabbing pieces on first listening but make up for in production value.
Pigeons is proven evidence that you can make a follow up record in a short space of time without it sounding rushed. And Luke Temple (be it on his own, or with a group) is a man who has that unique ability to bash out release after release that sound completely different, yet manage to still sound like his own.
Words: Freddy Rothman
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