One of the most talented figures on the US alt. rock scene, Bradford Cox has delivered another stellar record with Fading Frontier, which can be filed alongside the previous gems he has produced not as only Deerhunter, but with his equally superb side-project, Atlas Sound.
Cox’s psychedelic soundscapes are second to none, and he has once again concocted a treasure trove of sonic treats. Opener ‘All The Same’ has an eerie feel that absolutely bewitches, while ‘Living My Life’ skilfully blends Eno-esque ambience with glitchtronic rhythms. ‘Breaker’ demonstrates Deerhunter’s gifts as dream-pop practitioners, and their eclecticism is showcased further on the delightful piano ballad, ‘Leather And Wood’.
Elsewhere, ‘Duplex Planet’ is sublime psych- pop, ‘Take Care’ is driven by wonderfully woozy synth textures, and ‘Snakeskin’ finds the band kicking into an irresistible groove, with the infectiously funky rhythms supplemented beautifully by a Beatles-like melody.
Excellent stuff.