Categories : Electronica, Music Reviews.
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Rating: 3 / 5 Reviewer: Lukas Clark-Memler |
Discovery is a musical collaboration of two very different artists; a duo that in most other cases would likely remain unsigned and unheard of. But, capitalizing on the success of their previous bands, Rostam Batmanglij (keyboardist/producer for Vampire Weekend) and Wes Miles (Ra Ra Riot vocalist) have been able to generate some hype and spark the interest of many.
Discovery’s debut album, creatively entitled LP, is, well, frustrating to say the least. What makes it so frustrating is that Discovery sounds very good at times, but they also have moments of utter disaster. An aural roller coaster that soars up into greatness, but only for brief moments, before then hurtling back down into catastrophe. It’s a rather schizophrenic listening experience.
When Discovery gets it right, their melodies caress the eardrums with tasteful beats. But more times than not, their tunes are belaboured and contrived, with every nuance over-calculated. Cascades of synths clash with overpowering drum machines and whispered lyrics. Affected keyboards wane and warble over looped beats and a throbbing bass. Theirs is a neo-pop sound, with hints of R&B and electro, and this eclectic mix of ideas creates an interesting, chaotic feel, with no clear method to their madness.
If you’re looking for something profound, then you’re in the wrong place. LP isn’t to be taken seriously, which is ultimately Discovery’s saving grace. They are not trying to make a statement and they’re not being cynical or ironic. They are simply having fun with their music, and their utter joviality eventually wears off on the listener, even if the music is grating at times.
