The seemingly
everlasting alternative rock band They Might Be Giants has an extensive
discography that is about to get 25 songs longer with their next studio album, Nanobots. Members John
Flansburgh and John Linnell have been exploring different sounds for the last
30 years and coupled with their artfully constructed lyrics they have
progressed well in the realm of music. Some of the latest songs from the band
diverge from their upbeat and trademark humor while others keep faithful fans
enamored.
A
track list of 25 songs is quite large for an album, but They Might Be Giants
have packed it full of what they call “mini-jams.” Some of the songs range from
less than half a minute long to the typical three-minute mark. This is good if
you suffer from a short attention span, but in other instances it detracts from
the flow of the longer songs. This album differs from the band’s last one, Join Us, because it focuses on clever
wordplay with slicker rhythms instead of the often erratic, but amusing album
the previous one was.
“Call You Mom” is the most promising track here, and strays away
from several of the “childish” feeling songs. It crams layers of lyrics
stressing ideas of childhood abandonment into a package that’s subtly dark and
entertaining. Naturally, the focus is pop oriented where the highlights
are “You’re on Fire,” a purely comedic
album opener about a combustible head; “Icky” a smooth arrangement borrowing
from a classic lounge feel and the title track, a highly polished
studio track that reminds one of the magic that happens when experienced
musicians explore an eccentric passion.
Grade: B-
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