Neon Indian - Psychic Chasms

Neon Indian – new kids on the electro block – have got a lot to live-up to already. Pitchfork hailed their album, Psychic Chasms, as the 14th best of 2009 and Rolling Stone Magazine have got them pinned as one of the hottest new bands of 2010. Having played a number of independent music festivals this summer and with a tour planned for autumn, the band have reissued the album looking to gain some momentum and breakthrough into more popular territory.

The first track, ‘(AM),’ is a 26 second explosion into the album, setting up for the summery, upbeat feel of the remaining tracks. ‘Deadbeat Summer’ is an obvious single and if the reissue had come at the start of summer this would have had some major airplay. It’s bright and catchy, but also relaxing – everything you want from a summer hit. The track ‘(If I knew I’d tell you)’ is genius in that the track reflects the title. As a listener, you can’t help feeling the track is keeping something from you, something really great, and the result is frustrating, but not in a bad way.

Centring on the theme of drug-taking and its effects, Psychic Chasms is the right combination of catchy jingles, clever lyrics and mould-breaking electronics to create the atmosphere wanted from artists such as this. However the album lacks punch. Neon Indian are not looking set to break into that tiny space in mainstream music set aside for electro. Unfortunately for them, the space is already occupied by MGMT and it’s unlikely that this album is going to make them move. Aside from ‘Deadbeat Summer,’ there’s no other obvious single choice and the album fizzes out towards the final tracks.

Psychic Chasms makes nice, easy listening for a hot summer’s day. Unfortunately for Neon Indian, it’s just got a bit cold recently.

Like it? Try The Knife, Hot Chip, MGMT, Daft Punk, Toro Y Moi

Psychic Chasms - Out Now - ★★★☆☆

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