A band moves beyond its usual methodology and finds strength in simplicity. A fair enough statement, though rote, and actually quite correct in describing Deerhunter's new album, Halcyon Digest. By discarding the layers of psych-hazed ambient textures of earlier works and focusing on the simplicity of the songs and the inherent power therein, Deerhunter have managed to undermine all those who would have them fit into any easily definable mold. With singles like "Helicopter" and "Revival" showcasing the bands slimmed down production and ability to tighten their own musical tendencies, Halcyon Digest reads like a primer to the best indie rock released in the last decade. The songs are so infectious and unexpected that at times it seems like the band is experiencing these songs for the first time alongside the listener. Halcyon Digest, as told by Bradford Cox, is about the ability of people to purposefully shape and alter memories to fit a particular set of personal preferences, that these memories are how we want to remember them, not necessarily how they actually happened. And by allowing these songs to develop naturally, unforced, Deerhunter have hit upon one of the most basic principles of life, and of musical creation: keep it simple stupid.
Tracklisting:
01. Earthquake
02. Don’t Cry
03. Revival
04. Sailing
05. Memory Boy
06. Desire Lines
07. Basement Scene
08. Helicopter
09. Fountain Stairs
10. Coronado
11. He Would Have Laughed (listen to the mp3 below)
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