Rating: NNN
When MGMT announced their second full-length would be devoid of big singles, it didn’t sound promising. After all, no one listens to Oracular Spectacular for The Handshake.
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While it’s tough to get used to the idea of MGMT as an album-rock band, Congratulations doesn’t come off as the unmitigated disaster it could have been. None of the songs hit as hard as Kids or Electric Feel, but there’s also no filler (which is more than we can say for OS). Instead, the band delivers a consistent if self-indulgent offering of oddball prog-pop.
From the 12-minute epic Siberian Breaks to the druggy psychedelia of Lady Dada’s Nightmare, this is hardly radio material, though the kitchen-sink approach lends itself to repeat listening, in full. Still, it’s easy to miss the satisfying highs of their debut. Is it too much to ask for another Time To Pretend?
Top track: Brian Eno
MGMT play Mod Club April 29.
