In 2007, MGMT burst into the mainstream with a youthful vision and a strategic resolve to avoid the pitfalls of mediocrity. The lyrics of “Time to Pretend” encapsulated this ethos, 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 their fifth LP, Loss of Life. This release reflects on whether the band still clings to their hedonistic mantra. The unveiled tracks from the album suggest a profound evolution as life’s complexities have caught up with them, inspiring introspection and change. The question now arises: Does the entirety of Loss of Life breathe new vitality into MGMT’s musical legacy?
The album opens with the instrumental “Loss of Life, Pt. 2,” a composition reminiscent of solemn tunes played at a war hero’s funeral. Similar to those in Grandaddy’s “A.M. 180,” the synths evoke past joy and the promise of future elation. “Mother Nature,” the first of several acoustic-led tracks, delves deep into indie and blues territories with discreet EDM undertones. The surprising quiescent pipes before the fade-out outro add a poignant touch.
“Dancing in Babylon” marks the first upbeat song featuring a collaboration with Christine and the Queens. The fusion of upbeat eighties beats and untamed guitar riffs showcases a disciplined maturity, especially evident in the repeated line “I Love You” in the outro. As the album progresses, it explores a bleak future, the loss of past joys, and the challenge of finding meaning amidst trepidation. “Bubblegum Dog” emerges as a standout, blending indie and synth mastery with a harpsichord flourish, introducing a new term into the lexicon.
The calls for help continue in tracks like the acoustic-led “Nothing Changes,” where existential crises unfold against a backdrop of longing for salvation among the stars. The lo-fi penultimate track, “I Wish I Was Joking,” feels like an ode to relinquishing 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 tamed 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, instead, evolved. Including acoustic and raw instruments allows them to tap into listeners’ emotions deeply. Beyond their studio albums, MGMT’s evolution is evident in collaborations, from being spoofed on “Beavis and Butt-Head” to creating a dignified soundtrack with Karen O for the animated film “Where Is Anne Frank.” The album’s overarching message is clear: At some point, we must abandon our sought utopias, and the journey, though painful, leads to a better end.
Be the first to comment