Music Review

By Chris Brower

Thursday, May 3, 2007

23, Blonde Redhead’s first release since 2004’s Misery Is a Butterfly, finds the band once again delving into exciting new territory.

The album opens with “23,” which has a driving drumbeat and catchy melody. It sets the groundwork of dreamy textures mixed with intricate rhythms. Lead vocalist Kazu Makino’s airy voice provides a psychedelic feel that compliments the eclectic music. Her lyrics are usually unintelligible, but that doesn’t seem to hurt the band. Amedeo Pace, who also plays guitar, provides the lead vocals on “SW,” “Spring and By Summer Fall” and “Publisher,” adding another exciting quality to the band.

Blonde Redhead tries out a variety of moods, in the bittersweet “My Impure Hair,” the confused “Top Ranking” and the up-tempo “Silently.” This gives the album variety, something that is lacking from a lot of releases.

A combination of foot-tapping drumbeats mixed with atmospheric music makes 23 one of the most interesting releases of 2007.

* * * * * out of 5 stars

 

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