Artist: Spoon
Album: They Want My Soul
Genre: Indie Rock

These days, sticking around the indie-rock game for more than a few years is a feat. We’ve watched some heavy hitters jump into play for a few minutes, then get taken out and rotated in with another all-star that will get flashy for a period. Rinse and repeat.

Spoon, who are at this point grandpas of indie rock, have come back from a four-year break and hit the first three pointer they shot. Followed by another. And another. They Want My Soul is a proclamation album. Maybe a “fuck-off” type.

The album, both contextually and musically, is a culmination of arguments against conforming in a game that is miserable and desperate for attention. With so many bands dropping everything to get some buzz, Spoon have gone back and done exactly what they do best: whatever the hell they want.

The album sounds more like what was expected after Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Don’t read that like I hated Transference. Because that would be an awful lie.

The title track is exactly that. Very focused, forth-telling, and it sounds like it came straight off Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. With that being said, “Let Me Be Mine” does the exact same thing. It shows that the band is capable of doing exactly what they did to get them to this point. Also with singles like “Rent I Pay” and “Do You,” Britt and Co. leave us with no doubt they still can write an infectious and catchy Spoon-esque track.

Now with all that being said, while you’re reading this, go back and listen to “The Ghost Of You Lingers” from Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. This song took every single aspect, every aesthetic possible, and focused it on this idea of a haunting, creepy poltergeist that was present during a recording. On a more basic level, but more dependent on the musical tracks, “Inside Out” and “Rainy Taxi” continue to emphasize the songwriting ability that this band has. The musical presentation of the song adds so much and ultimately makes the song feel like a journey. Pictures flood my mind, and feelings cloud over you when you hear these songs.

Now, Spoon wouldn’t be able to prove their point without writing a few songs with a synth or two. Both “Outlier” and “New York Kiss” have a touch of modern. “Outlier” is more focused on a synth and bass-driven track, while “New York Kiss” is a perfect album closer, and maybe a hint of foreshadowing.

The issue with this album is that it’s not background music. It will slip under your radar if you don’t pay attention at first. At least for your first listen, strap the headphones on and listen to it. Loud. You won’t regret it. There’s so much to hear and so much to feel.

SCORE: 9/10
Review written by Corey From (@morfyeroc)

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Corey From

Corey From, from Kansas City, MO, when not thinking about or listening to music, obsessively thinks about Royals baseball, a platter of ribs (or BBQ in general) and cold beer. Nothing special really.

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