Don’t get me wrong, I like the occasional “Kids” or “Electric Feel” jam out. And once in a blue moon, I might even enjoy myself while listening to “Time to Pretend.” But I also must say: MGMT is completely and utterly overrated. Sure, I wouldn’t mind attending their upcoming concert at the Vogue on June 14th and sure, I might even hum along. But these half-assed ponderings do not surmount to the simple fact that what started as a Brooklyn basement band soon turned into a magnified delusion whose sophomore album I could squish beneath my shoe with as much pleasure as a squishing a giant and repulsive bug. Hence why I’m confused as to all of the “hype” when Congratulations debuted earlier this spring. Pitchfork, 6.8? Really?
Anyway, before I piss you all off too much (their upcoming Indy concert is sold out, after all) I’m going to propose an alternative, which is where Savoir Adore comes in. As a two-piece set originally, lead singer/pianist Deidre Muro and drummer Paul Hammer, the band has now expanded to a full set with joining members Tim McCoy, Gary Atturio, Gabriel Rattiner, and David Perlick-Molinari. Similar to MGMT, they herald from that little ol’ town called New York City. You’ve heard of it, right? Their similarly ethereal sound offers the glimpses and glimmers of an MGMT-esque charm, but with all the perks and promises of not being MGMT. And the continually evolving sound on their first album, In the Wooded Forest, (from single “We Talk Like Machines” to the electronica-infused “Merp” and back) brings with it a tone of honesty; a stylistically under-produced album worth listening to from front to back and back again. In simpler terms, it’s a one of those albums whose aesthetic is its rare capability to maintain the listener’s attention and enjoyment throughout each and every track.
While many may drive to my house and punch me in the face for using “MGMT” and “overrated” in the same sentence, I’m going to stick to my guns on this one and go for the Savoir Adore instead. Because when push comes to shove, I’d rather listen to an album all the way through, appreciating its subtle yet not understated effectiveness, than listen to the album of a band whose only three hits are already overplayed to near ear-bleeding status.
Check out Savoir Adore’s debut album here.
holy shit… i love you. thank you for letting everyone know that mgmt is the garbage bag and savoir adore is the basilisk dress.
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