You would expect something produced by Stephen Malkmus to be a little off the beaten track. Guerilla Toss's sixth album, the second for Sub Pop, the same thoughts applying to that label as the previous sentence. However, this is wonderfully off the scale.
Mixing the likes of Pop Rock and Dance with what is essentially a Neo Psych album, you would think that the album would be a traditional boys toys affair, but Kassie Carlson lights up the album with an extraordinary effort. Her lyrics are incredibly adept too.
Carlson matches her vocal in such varied styles that suit the sheer weirdness of the instrumental arrangements. Recorded in Trey Anastasio's studio, the combination of him, Malkmus and the band's inventiveness lays on quite a ride.
The mix of Rock and Psych Guitar with the synth soundscape and Carlson's vocal delights considerably. The album is on the edge of our circle, but is a marvellous listen. It appeals to my love of Psych, yet is incredibly melodic and catchy, hypnotic essentially.
It is an album that requires a full listen, indeed repeated listens as you hear different things on each play. I've picked my faves. Red Flag To Angry Bull is probably the most commercial thing on show and is a little Gorillaz in feel, but largely great Indie.
Psychosis Is Just A Number is a cracking mix of US New Wave, almost Devo and Psych wonderment. Crocodile Cloud mixes all that they do into one song and it it is a lot, even containing a ROAR. You're Weird Now may be left field, but is such an inventive joy. Get on it now!
You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on Vinyl, CD and as a download.
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