In 2007, MGMT burst into the mainstream with a youthful vision and a strategic determination to avoid the dangers of mediocrity. The lyrics of “Time to Pretend” encapsulate this spirit, celebrating the decision to live fast and die young, rejecting the mundane routine of office jobs and morning commutes.
Fast forward to 2024, and MGMT presents its fifth LP, Loss of life. This release reflects on whether the band still clings to their hedonistic mantra. The album's revealed tracks suggest a profound evolution as the complexities of life have caught up with them, inspiring introspection and change. Now the question arises: does the entire Loss of life Infuse new vitality into MGMT's musical legacy?
The album opens with the instrumental “Loss of Life, Pt. 2”, a composition reminiscent of the solemn melodies played at the funeral of a war hero. Similar to Grandaddy's “AM 180,” the synths evoke past joy and the promise of future euphoria. “Mother Nature”, the first of several acoustic tracks, delves into indie and blues territories with discreet undertones of EDM. The surprising idle pipes before the fading finale add a poignant touch.
“Dancing in Babylon” marks the first upbeat song to feature a collaboration with Christine and the Queens. The fusion of upbeat '80s rhythms and untamed guitar riffs shows a disciplined maturity, especially evident in the repeated line. “I love you” in the end. As the album progresses, it explores a bleak future, the loss of past joys, and the challenge of finding meaning amidst restlessness. “Bubblegum Dog” emerges as a standout track, combining mastery of indie and synths with a touch of harpsichord, introducing a new term into the lexicon.
The calls for help continue in songs like “Nothing Changes”, with acoustic sound, where existential crises develop in a context of longing for salvation among the stars. The lo-fi penultimate track, “I Wish I Was Joking,” feels like an ode to giving up false utopias and embracing reality without settling for mediocrity. The LP concludes with “Loss of Life,” an expansive soundscape combining EDM and trumpets, documenting overwhelming fear and sadness, ultimately overtaken by a resurgence of hope.
Loss of life signifies a departure from the youthful vision of their debut LP, Oracular Spectacular. MGMT has not succumbed to mediocrity but has evolved. Including raw, acoustic instruments allows them to deeply tap into the listeners' emotions. Beyond their studio albums, MGMT's evolution is evident in collaborations, from being parodied on “Beavis and Butt-Head” to creating a worthy soundtrack with Karen O for the animated film “Where's Anne Frank.” The overall message of the album is clear: at some point we must abandon the utopias we seek, and the journey, although painful, leads to a better ending.
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