Of Montreal — Satanic Panic In The Attic

I’m pretty tired of bands like Elf Power, Beulah and Of Montreal continually getting the "second-tier Elephant 6" tag placed on them whenever they release a record. Yes, they were part of the second wave that followed the more exalted Apples In Stereo, Neutral Milk Hotel and Olivia Tremor Control, but being branded the Collective’s juniors always implied that the original blueprint was merely being copied and regurgitated.

Of Montreal’s newest, Satanic Panic In The Attic, is their sixth full-length in seven years and it’s one of their finest. While sounding like typical Of Montreal fare (the sublimely soaring psych pop of opener "Disconnect The Dots"), there are subtle changes in the form of electro beats ("Rapture Rapes The Muses") and swirling, synth moments ("Climb The Ladder"). As always, the hooks are plenty and the harmonizing will make you feel giddy. Second-tier? Bah.

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