The last time I checked in with the Athens outfit New Madrid, they were penning short albums of irresistible indie-psych rock that was as blurry as it was harmonic, was more reminiscent of Built To Spill rather than their hometown heroes R.E.M. Nowadays, their albums are doubling in track size and are embracing an entire set of dynamics that few of their peers will ever broach. While there are still plenty of guitar acrobatics, magnetkingmagnetqueen can also get funky, artistic in an experimental fashion, and syrupy sweet while still being noisy.
The album opener “Not Up To Me” lets us know exactly what we’re getting into. It’s quirky, echoing, and features multiple voices and of lo-fi guitar work. “Charlie’s Party” follows and brings in dynamic percussion and louder moments of guitars, before the softer “Darker Parts,” which sounds like late night driving music that would complement an early Modest Mouse album.
New Madrid doesn’t have any problems with songs surpassing six minutes or even 10, which allows them to spread their wings further. Songs like the sonically challenging six minute “Dress Up” find the band getting hazy and jam band influenced, while the 11-minute “Guay Lo” is an instrumental droner that really could be shorter. On the other hand, all seven minutes of “Summer Belles” are flawless, jangly, psych-influenced fun with great swirling guitar work and percussion.
The lengthy album finishes on the dreamy, more straightforward “Magnetic Halo” and the calm, soothing “Washing Machine,” which aren’t far off from New Madrid’s earlier work and reference post-punk from an experimental angle.
At well over an hour, there’s much to absorb here not only in duration but also in terms of textures and ideas. While at times you’ll hear sounds that nod to Television or Radiohead, ultimately New Madrid is only interested in fleshing out tunes that are entirely theirs. If you’re willing to make it for the full ride, magnetkingmagnetqueen has much to offer for open and eclectic ears.
