Destroyer: Kaputt

Destroyer
Kaputt
Merge Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Destroyer's ninth album Kaputt is a jazzy poetic great listen!

Album Review:
Over the years Dan Bejar has been involved in some really great projects but Destroyer has always been his solo baby and his ninth record Kaputt represents one of his best. The album is mature, complex, poetic, jazzy, and addictive all wrapped into a 9 song, 50 minute affair. It's unique sound is what will immediately draw you in on opening track "Chinatown" with its breezy 80's type synthesizer effects and rolling trumpet matched with Bejar's relaxed storytelling vocals paired with the vibe matching female voice of Sibel Thrasher. This laid back swagger is what drives Kaputt, as it never seems to be in a hurry and lets each song just evolve, which highlights the magic of the music because it makes the listener ok with the pace and totally wanting more. The soft guitar strumming in the beginning of "Suicide Demo For Kara Walker" is not only graceful but the perfect intro to the track's casual beats and Bejar's confident tone. Most of Kaputt's compositions hoover in the 4 minute range but it does have several songs that pass the six minute mark, while the the closing epic "Bay Of Pigs" is just over eleven. Kaputt really is all about the story, which dictates each track's length and with all of the hush jazzy undertones, pop up melodies and memorable lyrics no track ever feels like it stays too long or ends too quickly. Kaputt is another exceptional record from Destroyer, as Dan Bejar's talent shines brightly again and although its standout sound may not be for everyone it certainly should be respected and will be one of the better releases we hear this year!

Key Tracks: "Downtown", "Suicide Demo For Kara Walker", "Chinatown"

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Destroyer: Trouble In Dreams [Fire Note Review 3/28/08]

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Merge Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony