The general reaction to the new Ok Go album has been mixed, but there is plenty here that is interesting to listen to. Band leader Damian Kulash goes out of his way here to explore sounds that are nothing like the last two high energy albums. In fact, bassist Tim Nordwind told me the band doesn’t think about the “power pop” label that much at all. Opening with the funky and alien “WTF?” it is very much influenced by Prince. The sound of producer Dave Fridmann (Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev) is stamped on this album as well. Recorded in seclusion it creates a big arena sound from the tinkling piano, buzzing bassline and echoing percussions in “All Is Not Lost.” What is missing here are the melodies that get lost among the reverb and distortion on tracks like “Needing/Getting.” The best tracks here fall into the lonely grooves of “Skyscrapers” and awesome guitar licks on “White Knuckles.” It’s bound to make the purple one envious he didn’t write it first. Also we get a nice Beatlesque dreamscape in “Back From Kathmandu” that’s got these great strings for a juicy effect here. They even try a heavy vocorder tune “Before The Earth Was Round.” Another point is that the bass fuzz on some tracks distorts to the point of annoyance (“In The Glass”). Fans of Beck may also like the heavy funk, but others will like the lighter touch toward the albums end on tracks like “Why You Were Asleep” which is closer to Godley and Creme in style. Overall a good album, but if you wanted a more formulaic sound you’ll be disappointed.
