Released: 2024
Genres: Neo-Psychedelia, Psychedelic Pop, Indie Rock
The Musiquarium’s Loss of Life Review Score: 10 out of 10
More than half a decade after their last album, 2018’s synthpop masterpiece Little Dark Age, the psychedelic duo returns with their most mature and introspective work yet — after all, “loss of life” is another way of saying death.
In contrast to their first four releases, Loss of Life prominently uses acoustic guitars, though it still has the usual flourishes of their neo-psychedelic brand sprinkled-in throughout. These songs are among their most emotionally-resonating yet, and despite the heavier subject matter, this albums feels positive and cathartic, especially on the epic and moving Nothing Changes.
Mother Nature is one of their most uplifting songs they’ve ever penned. People in the Streets has a rich bass guitar tone. The delightfully weird Bubblegum Dog features Sean Lennon on keyboards, and the Christine and the Queens-featuring Dancing in Babylon, feels like an ironic take on eighties pop ballads. Nothing to Declare features some delicate finger-picked guitar. Phradie’s Song may meander a bit, but I personally enjoyed its lullaby-like nature. The title track is reminiscent of a more electronic version of a Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band song.
Loss of Life is a beautiful album, full of deep lyricism that contemplates life, death and change. MGMT has come a long way since Kids and Time to Pretend, and I’m all for this trajectory that they’ve been on, even if it takes five years for every new album.
For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view MGMT on Discogs.
Back to the 2024 Album Guide or the MGMT Reviews page.
Written by Brett Nippard
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