Posts tagged something
Chairlift is a Brooklyn-based duo comprised of vocalist/songwriter Caroline Polachek and multi-instrumentalist Patrick Wimberly. Something is their sophomore full-length release, the band’s first release following the departure of founding member Aaron Pffening, who left Chairlift after their 2008 debut Does You Impress You and a failed romance with Polachek. Blogosphere buzz and attention fell upon Chairlift’s shoulders following that first release, which was further bolstered by an Apple ad that featured the single “Bruiser.” With the resources of a major label (Columbia) behind them, Chairlift looks to buck the sophomore slump with Something.
Sounds Like:
Brooklyn-based duo puts a dark, chilling, modern stamp on eighties new wave and finds pop gold along the way
Something’s opening track, “Sidewalk Safari,” sets the bar high with its searing, syncopated snare hits and sinister, lurking synth hook. Polachek really digs into the character of the song, a scorned lover looking to take revenge on those who scorned her (“I do know how to drive a car faster than a man can run”). Faint drums and ambient rumblings open “Wrong Opinion,” before breaking away to a warm, pulsating bass line punctuated by an even snare hit. Soft, airy synths set a calm and complementary backdrop for Polachek’s easy, airy vocals during the verses, while harsher, industrial-sounding hooks appear intermittently to providing a stark contrast to her voice.
“I Belong In Your Arms,” another of the album’s highlights, is a sweet, synth-heavy pop ballad. A cascade of synths, upbeat tempo and catchy melody result in a solid chorus. Verse vocal melodies build anticipation that is delivered by the chorus; a positive, upbeat tune for the romantically forlorn out there. Chairlift takes a turn for the darker on “Take It Out On Me,” which opens with a dark, eerily groovy eighties synth hook. Polachek’s vocals are especially sultry on this track, commanding its presence against (at times) a sparser field of synths. Wimberly also shows off his ability to layer and weave different sounds on this track, all while playing off the strength of Polachek’s vocals.
Music video for “Amanaemonesia”
“Ghost Tonight” starts with simple finger snaps, Polacheks vocals and a bass line, before setting sail on another synth odyssey, paddled along by a booming bass line. Wimberly’s ability to layer and add variety to synth lines is present once again, as sounds range from bright, bouncy, melting synths to another extreme of short, halting, march-like sounds. “Cool As Fire” again features Polachek’s vocals, though this time seemingly at the expense of Wimberly’s sonic strengths. The tempo on this track is on the slower end of the spectrum and never really picks up any steam. Although the subtle synths and other ambient rumblings provide a unique contrast to Polachek’s vocals, this track could arguably be a low point on Something.
Key Tracks:
Sidewalk Safari, Wrong Opinion, I Belong In Your Arms, Take It Out On Me, Amanaemonesia, Met Before, Guilty As Charged
The energy picks up again, though, on “Amanaemonesia,” a song about a fictional disease and magic. Driven by an upbeat, stuttering bass line and faint, spacey synth blasts, Wimberly’s vocals make a brief appearance in form of a call-and-response type interaction with Polachek. Drums pick up the pace, and synths go into overdrive during the chorus, where Polachek delivers another solid vocal melody. Various synth hooks battle for supremacy during a dark, MGMT-reminiscent bridge. “Met Before,” another highlight, opens with a thundering, fuzzy, reverbed electric guitar chord, thumping bass line and steady snare drum hits, only to quickly change gears to a more synth-centered sound. Syncopated synth blasts carry the pre-chorus and chorus, as Polachek’s layered vocals carry the energy. A breakdown allows for an a cappella round of vocals and builds back again, assisted by the driving drum line.
“Frigid Spring” boasts a wider range of instrumentation from the rest of Something, highlighted primarily by the strummed acoustic guitar that is seemingly absent from the remainder of the album. “Turning” is another slower-paced synthesized escapade. Bright, reverbed electric guitar-picking add drops of sonic precipitation against a backdrop of fuzzy synth chords.
Best Lyric:
“I do know how to drive a car faster than a man can run” - “Sidewalk Safari”
“Guilty As Charged,” Something’s closing track, is another good one. A halting, bluesy bass line serves as the basis for the track. Polachek’s vocals get sultry on this one, as she coos “I’m guilty as charged, go on punish me.” Harsher, industrial synth blasts once again stand in contrast against Polachek’s airy vocals and simple bass hook.
Overall Rating:
Overall, Something is a solid album. Its highlights soar to breathtaking elevations, though its low points, in contrast, drag a bit. Chairlift have developed an interesting formula of taking eighties new wave ideas and putting a modern, hipster spin on them in a pleasing manner. Some standouts, such as “I Belong In Your Arms” and “Amanaemonesia,” are incredibly catchy pop ditties that will surely get booties shaking and feet tapping, while Something’s snoozers (“Cool As Fire” or “Turning”) will have the complete opposite effect. Fortunately for Chairlift and listeners, Something features more of the former than the latter, making the case for the band as possibly something greater than another one hit wonder featured on an Apple commercial.
