MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Written by Sarah Mudgway   
Tuesday, 09 June 2009 22:12
MGMT - oracular spectacular MGMT's
'Oracular Spectacular'
is the album which has surprised many.

The electro-psychedelic duo from Brooklyn,
do not fit the description of a band you would typically
expect to see at the top of the pop music charts.

Swap bling for hippy-inspired capes,
bass for psychedelic-infused beats,
and Boom Boom Pow's for Electric Feels...
and you have yourself an
'Oracular Spectacular'.
Opening with first single 'Time To Pretend', this is the single which didn’t quite reach New Zealand shores straight away. Appearing on the soundtrack to numerous films and television shows such as 'Skins', 'Time To Pretend' is a synth-driven track which could almost be a lyrical journey through the life of MGMT. The lyrics "lets make some music, make some money, find some models for wives", continued later with "yeah its overwhelming, what else can we do? Get jobs in offices and wake up for the morning commute?", appear to be a potential self-portrait... a self-reflection doused in sarcasm at the dreams of being a rockstar, or at least pretending to be one.

The psychedelic theme of 'Oracular Spectacular' continues on with 'Weekend Wars' and 'The Youth'. Slightly more guitar driven and mellow tracks, with a 60’s-era-band feel to them (think The Beatles mixed with Hendrix), these songs encompass the aesthetic of a band that is not afraid to stand out from the heavily populated music scene. 'The Youth' is reminiscent of an Arcade Fire type-track, with slight vocal effects making for a hypnotic track with the lyrics “the youth is starting to change”, repeated in an almost trance-like manner.

'Electric Feel' follows, which is the second single and the breakout track in terms of New Zealand recognition. An upbeat track with an electro-funk feel, the catchy chorus/off-beat pick up line of "ooh girl, shock me like an electric eel... turn me on with your electric feel" has been heard on numerous soundtracks, such as teen sensations 'Gossip Girl' and 'Sex Drive'. A perfect anthem to a chilled out summer, this track is by far the most 'mainstream accessible' on the album, which is evidenced by its commercial success.

'Kids' - the latest single off of the album – is a catchy and faster paced effort, taking influence from the electro-indie scene. The synth-keys and amped up BPM throughout the majority of the song, create a catchy and very danceable anthem.

One of the standout features of 'Oracular Spectacular', particularly as a debut release, is the eclectic mixture of styles. Not only have MGMT captured the globe with an overall sound which is relatively unique, but they have managed to put together a collection of songs which are all distinctly different, yet instantly recognizable as MGMT. '4th Dimensional Transition' seems Middle Eastern inspired, with muted vocals emphasising the tribal drumbeats holding the song together. Compare this to 'Pieces of What' – an acoustic guitar driven track which comes as a stark contract to the electro and drum driven tracks prior... think lazy Sunday afternoon soundtrack, heavily influenced by 70’s Brit Rock.

Oracular? Not sure. Spectacular? Definitely. This is an album which has a little bit of everything and a whole lot of talent. 'Oracular Spectacular', is not one to be forgotten.
 

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