ODDfellows
Negative Gain, 2021
9/10
The Twin Cities legends Information Society made a sizable dent in the area of synth-pop in the late ‘80s with their smash hit, “What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy)”. Unlike many of their peers, the band has remained intact through the years, though with long breaks, and here they return with the original 3 members, James Cassidy, Kurt Larson and Paul Robb, as well as the latest official member, Zeke Prebluda.
“Extraordinary Popular Delusions And The Madness Of Crowds” starts the listen and dives right into firm electronics and dense beats that certainly should soundtrack a night at the club, and “Would You Like Me If I Played A Guitar” follows with a more ‘80s influenced appeal that’s filled with playful electronics, soaring pop moments and lively buzzing.
Approaching the middle, “Room 1904” flows with a punchy spirit that’s highly melodic and brings us back to their fluent New Wave nods that radiates much warm, romantic energy, while “Nothing Prevails” emits a busy and lush display of powerful synth rock and darkwave that we will never tire of. “Bennington”, one of the album’s best, then meshes post-punk, New Wave and synth-pop into the perfect blend of electro-rock.
The record remains strong until the end, where “Grups” offers a calmer side of their skill with some darker moments of unique creativity, and “The Mymble’s Daughter” exits the listen with an upbeat and summery landscape of dreamy sounds, where swirling melodies flow amid the pretty ambience.
This is the first Information Society album in 8 years, and not only is every tune here expertly crafted and embraces the timeless nature that has comprised their entire career, this is actually the first complete album to be released with a headphone version rendered in THX Spatial Audio, so the hooks, dense bass, and frisky beats sound even better.
Travels well with: The Psychedelic Furs- Made Of Rain; Bizou- Tragic Lover