Of Montreal: Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?

Of Montreal
Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?
Polyvinyl Records [2007]









Of Montreal is one of indie rocks hardest working bands, as Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? marks their eighth full length in just ten years. As one the remaining Elephant 6 collective, you already have an expectation of what you going to hear but like every band that has staying power, their sound has evolved. The last two albums have strayed away from some of the most characteristic traits of an Elephant 6 recording, which is the eclectic and exotic instrumentation replacing it with a more danced up electro clash sound, driven always by Kevin Barnes distinct vocals. This was never a bad direction because Satanic Panic [2004] and The Sunlandic Twins [2005] were very equally enjoyable but missing some of the E6 charm. Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? changes all that and mixes the two styles of the eclectic instrumentation and fresh electro clash beats. This mixture is the highlight of Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? and a win-win combo for Of Montreal. Every track has the right mix and brings something new to the table. Even on the lengthy 12 minute "The Past Is a Grotesque Animal" the beats, lyrics and instrumentation keep the listener excited to stick around and not even worry about how long the track is. Of Montreal have released a very lyrically personal new wave album that will easily please old fans but will definitely bring many new, making this one of their top albums to date.

Key Tracks:"The Past Is A Grotesque Animal", " She's A Rejector", "Faberge Falls For Shuggie"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Elf Power
Radio 4
Takka Takka

Official Of Montreal Website
Of Montreal MySpace
Of Montreal Info [Allmusic]
Polyvinyl Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox