In a post-LCD Soundsystem world, Miracle Fortress rolls out song after song of tight production, probing a cache of sentiments reminiscent of Mr. James Murphy. Miracle Fortress is Montreal-based Graham Van Pelt's solo project, and Was I the Wave? is the follow-up to 2007's Five Roses, an album that popped up on a variety of top ten lists.
Each song plants an easygoing fluid beat with unexpected touches of syncopation or a tiny snare to add accents of a louder sound. Stylistically polished, the album pastes a collage of vintage synth sounds around new compositions into something undeniably current.
Starting off with the ominous sounds you might find in an abandoned factory, "Spectre" captures a space odyssey-esque curious optimism. Van Pelt's lyrics are warm and inviting, offering honest commentary in broad strokes. His reflections are nestled into an electronic wave, evocative of everything from the iconic "Goodbye Horses" (of Silence of the Lambs' skin suit fame) to laser tag futurism.
It's a powerful record that opens up slowly.
SIMILAR SONGS
