LET THEM EAT CAKE

Hats of to Motorpsycho for trying something entirely different with each new album. After ending their heavy rock period with the superb 'Trust Us', they didn't try to cash in on its success but instead teamed up with a whole orchestra of violins and horns to bring us an album filled with jazzy psych pop that fans of Syd Barrett and Nick Drake shouldn't miss.

Apart from the 60's inspired songwriting and lust arrangements, also the cleaner vocals are noteworthy, featuring more contributions from guitarist Hans Magnus Ryan's soft and tender voice. But also Bent Saether holds back his grittier side and indulges voluntarily in Beatles alike harmonies and pleasant melodies. My favorites of the album are the moody 'Stained Glass' which reminds me of Ryan Adams (no not Bryan), and the experimental '3030'.

I believe each Motorpsycho album must be met on its own terms and appreciated for what it tries to bring, it's a trait I appreciate in many of my favorite bands and it also lifts Motorpsycho output to a higher level for me. This one may suit my taste less then the previous album but it's certainly not inferior in terms of quality. Not a Prog album but sure one that might interest fans of psych-tinged pop with an experimental edge.