MGMT - Loss of Life (2024) Review
MGMT returns with their latest album Loss of Life, a journey through nostalgic soundscapes and introspective lyricism that delves deep into themes of maturity, cynicism, and the passage of time. The duo create an album full of influences and callbacks to previous works.
The album kicks off with "Loss of Life Pt 2," immediately immersing listeners with 1960s psych-pop reminiscent synth lines.
photo by Delgoff
The track serves as a solid opener, setting the tone with its nostalgic and medieval soundscape that MGMT has utilized throughout their discography. The slow warping of vocal samples throughout the track foreshadows what lies ahead, while a Welsh poem from the 6th century enforces the sound. The poem called “I am Taliesin,” adds an interesting layer because the second line says it will “last till the end of the world” and here we are 1500 years later hearing his words.
"Mother Nature" follows, and it has truly grown on me since my initial listen. For some reason, I can't shake the resemblance to the Cheers theme song, but honestly, that's great because the Cheers theme song rules. The song, along with much of the album, delves into introspective themes, signaling a departure from earlier cynicism and pessimism towards a newfound optimism.
“Dancing in Babylon” (feat. Christine and the Queens) was a song I initially thought was a miss, however, on repeat listens I have come around to it. The instrumental gives off such a sense of nostalgia and I enjoy the second half of the song when some jange-pop influences arise. The longer the song goes on, the better it gets.
“People in the Street” is a pretty cohesive transition from Babylon. This feels like a stripped-down version of “Hand it Over,” which will always be a great thing. The vocal melody used throughout the song is so laid-back and soothing to listen to. This has some of my favorite lyrics on the album. Andrew VanWyngarden is such an underrated songwriter. The second half of the song is especially excellent for the way it builds up.
“Bubblegum Dog” stands out as a highlight, with its introspective lyrics and psychedelic sound. This track feels quintessentially MGMT, with its harpsichord melody, psychedelic chaos, and thematic exploration of letting go of cynicism, annoyance, and hate over popular things. It kind of feels like this should have been the climax of the album even though it’s in the middle of the track list.
“Nothing to Declare” has some moments I truly enjoy, like the chorus, however, I find it to be one of the weaker songs on the album. “Nothing Changes” has grown on me a bit since I heard it though I still think it drags on a little too long. It reminds me of The Church or Echo and the Bunnymen which is a good thing. The backing vocals elevate the chorus.
“Phradie’s Song” is a beautiful, heartfelt letter to Vanwyngarden’s daughter. It has some lullaby qualities mixed with some signature MGMT sounds.
“I Wish I Was Joking” is a song I wish was a little more energetic after a string of low-tempo songs. I like the tongue-in-cheek lyrics and humor. A pretty decent track, but not anything incredible either.
“Loss of Life” wraps up the album like a bow on a present. The melodies on this track are reminiscent of the Beatles. I love this one and it sort of sounds like a continuation of Siberian Breaks, both lyrically and even a bit sonically.
In summary, Loss of Life is a solid package from MGMT. They prove again how solid their songwriting is with the signature mix of humor and introspection. I do think there is a short lull in the second half of the album but the strength in the songwriting outweighs most shortcomings and nitpicks. Ultimately, Loss of Life continues to show MGMT’s evolution as artists and I am happy they are still trying to explore new sounds while still keeping remnants of their past sounds.
7/10 - Good