[rating=7.00]
Athens, Georgia band New Madrid is an unorthodox bunch to say the least, a group whose emphasis on chants, rhythms and squalling guitars places them more in the category of the avant garde as opposed to their once rootsy regimen. On Magnetkingmagnetqueen they go all out in their attempts to assert a brasher, more psychedelic image, one that leans heavily on experimentation and bold art rock pyrotechnics. It’s a weird mishmash, sometimes leading the listener to get lost in its largess, but as far as its well calibrated intents are concerned, it can be dazzling to say the least.
That said, this, their third outing to date, definitely doesn’t boasts anything near an abundance of easily accessible songs. For the most part these tunes skitter and swoon, a spiralling series of freakish aural outlays and overdubs that keep the tension high and genuinely concise melodies at a premium. Those looking for ready hooks will find them mostly at odd intervals, in the rowdy, rambunctious shout-out that accompanies “Not Up To Me” and in the spunky, sprightly rhythms of “Don’t Hold Me Now” and “Dress Up” in particular. Indeed, the album’s flush with erratic indulgence, making for an unusually unpredictable tableau. The closest comparison it brings is to Talking Heads, especially when it comes to the stilted delivery of “Dugout” and “36 Grams of Sugar,” two songs that are as odd and eccentric as the titles seem to suggest.
Suffice it to say that Magnetkingmagnetqueen isn’t going to appeal to everyone. Some will consider its rambunctious approach far too intimidating to linger very long, while others will find fascination in its progressive posturing. Which is just fine after all. Ambition is often a hit or miss proposition. So at very least, credit New Madrid for taking bold chances and emerging with an intriguing effort that often defies description.
