My Disco - Paradise (Album)

My Disco have earned my respect in many many ways. First and foremost is their work ethic. The way they go about things. Like it's all to a plan. All mapped out well in advance. They know exactly what they're doing, and do it well. And they succeed in most, if not all areas.

With Paradise, as with Cancer before it, My Disco obviously set out with a strong idea in mind. Sometimes it's hard watching a band you like change over time. If they're good enough they can surprise and impress you. Most fail. But this all comes down to direction. To me, it's all about direction. There's two paths here. For longevity it's a better idea for a band to grow and change over time instead of sticking to one narrow path.

What's the direction of Paradise? It seems a natural progression when looking back over the band's short and brilliant history. They had the "Albini" sound from the getgo and it made sense upon announcement that Paradise was to be recorded with Steve Albini at his Electrical Audio Studios in Chicago. Listening to this album loud you understand the reasons and nod your head in agreement. It's a good sounding record. Perhaps the problem for some will be what seems like the actual lack of "songs".

While the opening track really only serves as an introduction to Paradise and this new, more stripped back sound, one note hammered over and over with no variation for nearly two minutes makes you question the point of it all. How far can you strip it back before it starts to lose its appeal? What will be left? Bare bones. No meat on the skeleton. And little on the way to fulfilling my hunger for the potential I still hear in this band, and know of its members. For a musicians ear, the skill of the players can be enough to keep one interested.

I wonder about others though, whether their attention will be held. Not that others are really my concern. I'm the selfish listener here, nodding my head to the hypnotic (repetetive) beat of the nine minute An Even Sun. Even if I want more from the music, it still grabs me as it is. It owes me nothing and I take it as it is presented to me. There are several standout tracks here, while others seem of little consequence. It's good. But it's not amazing. It really works together as a whole, a complete package, and I think the artwork, which is beautiful, has a lot to do with that. Albums need cohesion, and that's where Paradise works. It's a tidy piece of work. I guess I'm just curious (or perhaps have my fingers crossed) as to where the band take it from here. I had my doubts about Cancer, but it had me sold over time, and it had "songs".

Similar thoughts pervade throughout Paradise, and sometimes I find myself screaming at the speakers for some rhythm shift, massive build or change like much of their earlier material, but it doesn't come. I've heard it all before. My wanting something isn't going to make it happen or suddenly appear like birds when you are near. Thank fuck the band's live show is so impressive.

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