Deerhunter's new album 'Halcyon Digest' is now available. (courtesy photo)
Just by looking at the cover of Deerhunter’s “Halcyon Digest,” listeners can tell that they will be taken on a weird and wonderful journey. Thirty seconds into the album, they’ll know that they’re right.
Even after two EPs and five albums, the indie rock group Deerhunter (not to be confused with similarly-named The Dear Hunter) has still managed to defy any sort of genre labeling.
Even before the second half of the album, the band jumps from the trippy, looped, animal collective-esque sounds of their opener “Earthquake” to the garage-rock jam “Don’t Cry” to the sweet, poppy feel of “Memory Boy.”
The variety of genres contributes to a wide array of emotions felt by the listener during “Halcyon Digest.”
The melancholy mood of “Sailing,” with the lyrics “You learn to accept/Whatever you can get” contrasts strongly to the more upbeat, feel-good moments in “Desire Lines,” with the lyrics, “Walking free/Come with me.”
However, the prevailing mood throughout the LP is one of relaxation. By definition, the word “halcyon” refers to something calm, peaceful and tranquil.
Surely it’s not a coincidence that Deerhunter would incorporate that into their album name, since all of their songs rely on slower tempos and more laid back melodies to satisfy the listener.
Without needing to look too hard, it’s very easy to see the influence of the ‘60s on the album. The funky beat in coordination with psychedelic guitar parts on their breakout single “Revival,” make the song seem as though it would fit perfectly on a Jefferson Airplane or Donavan album.
This trend continues throughout the album. “Fountain Stairs” sounds like it could be a cover of a song by The Zombies, and “Memory Boy” gives off the same vibes as a love song played at Woodstock.
Yet Deerhunter still presents their music in a sound that is truly unique to them.
With front man Bradford Cox’s signature droning voice and their elaborate mixture of guitar parts, the band has a sound that’s muddy, pensive and catchy all at once. Very few bands are capable of creating an experience such as that.
With such a distinct and great sound, Deerhunter manages to make beautiful music on “Halcyon Digest.”
From the gently dancing synthesizer parts of “Helicopter” to the haunting, electronic finale of “He Would Have Laughed,” the music takes the listener’s brain to a new plane of thought.
With such a laid-back album, there is a tendency for some songs to drag on, especially the longer ones. Still, “Halcyon Digest” is a solid listen from a consistent band.
Although the songs echo the past, they’ll cause listeners too look toward the future for new releases by Deerhunter.
Contact CU Independent Writer Matt Glassett at Matthew.glassett@colorado.edu.
