Chairlift - Something (Album) review

It is a bit late, and I apologise. But I just couldn't not say something about Something. 

With Does You Inspire You, Chairlift began their album attempts with a nice enough try. It was good and, although it was slightly ruined by an iPod Nano advert, you can be forgiven for still listening to it from time to time. The only problem with it was that it wasn't anything special. It lacked that distinctive difference to set it apart from the contemporaries which was only really a problem because you could tell that the potential was there for a fantastic showing (Evident Utensil being the biggest clue).

Now Something is their second go. And I can start by saying that it is, hands down, the best album of 2012 so far. This is so preposterously obvious upon reaching the irresistible hook of first track Sidewalk Safari. The record then sees Caroline Polachek and Patrick Wimberly cook with ingredients which combine for something delicious, complex, individual and so very moreish. 

Some of the best bits are the excellent 80's throwbacks of Take It Out On Me and Ghost Tonight as Ms. Polachek channels Kate Bush and Madonna while backed by synth-y sounds which I could not derivate by calling catchy. More irrepressible.

More contemporary comparisons exist with the aforementioned vocals easily reminding you of previously excellent albums by The Do and St. Vincent but these moments could be said to be Something's weak points as it is when comparisons are harder (more due to a expert blend of many influences rather than outright originality) as these are the points where something remarkable takes place.

These moments are primarily found in the opener, Wrong Opinion, Met Before and the first single, Amanaemonesia. Three easily distinguishable tracks but equally superb. Ethereal backgrounds fused with twisted synth, perfect guitar moments and an utterly captivating glockenspiel(?).  

It should be remarked that this album could seem to continue the tradition of slacking off after reaching the half way mark. However, I think that it simply changes tempo and while this might seem a bit less fun and interesting it is just more subdued but no less intelligent. Definitely worth repeated, full plays. 

This is the triumphant winner of January's music. It will be difficult for February to offer anything to beat it. 

8.8/10