The new album from Of Montreal, UR FUN, is an odd record. I suppose that shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who's heard anything from this band before. But I guess it's worth stressing just how hard it is to categorize what's here from Kevin Barnes and crew. Originally part of the Elephant 6 collective, Of Montreal are now making music that is its own genre, and this one, out on Friday via Polyvinyl is both wonderful in spots and an acquired taste in others.
Opener "Peace to All Freaks" is bright Eighties-style snyth-pop, while the chirpy "Polyaneurism" is a concise glam-stomper. Elsewhere, "You've Had Me Everywhere" is another indication of the huge debt that Kevin Barnes owes to the New Wave of the first half of the Reagan decade, while "Don't Let Me Die in America" is clever and crunchy and one of the real highlights here on UR FUN.
If this record could have used more stuff like the odd "Deliberate Self-Harm Ha Ha", a genuinely disturbing bit of art rock, one can commend Kevin Barnes for sticking to his muse and pursuing the sort of vision he's always pursued. UR FUN might be essential for long-time Of Montreal fans, but it at least offers up some interesting moments for the more casual fans among us.
UR FUN is out on Friday via Polyvinyl.
More details on Of Montreal via the band's official website, or their official Facebook page.
[Photo: Polyvinyl]