The Magnetic Fields — Distortions

It's been almost four years since Stephin Merritt and co. dropped i, an acoustic record that mostly expanded on the themes of The Magnetic Fields' magnum opus — 69 Love Songs. Since 2004, the quartet have been fairly quiet, but are back now with their noisy eighth studio album, one that features a complete departure — at least on the technical side — from their last nine years of composition. Distortions sounds aesthetically similar to some cuts on early Magnetics album Holiday, but it's better produced, more refined and infused with the songwriting skill that made Merritt famous on 69. The layers of feedback that permeate every single track elevate his and regular bandmate Claudian Gonson's vocals. Yet, the noise truly benefits part-timer Shirley Timms, whose sweet voice soars over the biting "California Girls" and "Drive On, Driver." I could have done without the Christmas overtones ("Mr. Misletoe"), but the crackle-and-pop production implies a winter theme that makes even that almost appropriate. So then, the only real issue is that it took four years for a new Magnetic Fields album and, sadly, 38 minutes later, the wait begins again.

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