Barragán
Nineteen years into their career, Blonde Redhead haven\'t just seriously altered their own sound over the years; they’ve watched their audience grow up, with some replaced by newer fans at their shows. Anyone who remembers Blonde Redhead\'s early days recalls the constant comparisons to Sonic Youth; the listeners who hung in watched the band redefine their sound in the ‘00s with excellent albums such as *Misery Is a Butterfly* and *23*. 2010’s *Penny Sparkle* divided audiences with its accessible pop sound, but *Barragan* should please fans from nearly all eras. Kazu Makino sings with gorgeous affection on “The One I Love” and with exquisite power throughout, while twin brothers Simone and Amedeo Pace provide a tension and beauty that’s pure art rock—and in some case Krautrock (“Mind to Be Had”). The trio’s ability to settle into minimalist and denser, abstract territories, largely guided by synths as opposed to guitars, has refreshed them to the point of pained ecstasy.
Blonde Redhead's first album in four years finds the NYC avant-rock veterans following down the same path they started on with 2010's Penny Sparkle. Calling Barragán halfhearted would be giving it too much credit, both effort-wise and emotion-wise: it’s a cold fish of a record, dead-eyed and clammy.
Throughout Blonde Redhead’s 21-year history, the band has undergone a series of gradual but still drastic reinventions. Beginning as an abrasive, New York City-based art-punk outfit, singer Kazu Makino, along with vocalist/guitarist Amedeo Pace and twin-brother drummer Simone, received early cosigns and production…
The NYC trio recede from their edgy, no-wave past toward a chill, downbeat future.
‘Barragán’, the title of Blonde Redhead’s latest adventures into twisted urbanite indie, means ‘warrior’ in ancient Spanish – a translation in keeping with the New York sophisticates’ swashbuckling approach to convention on this ninth studio album.
The notion of presence seems fitting for a band like Blonde Redhead to explore 21 years into its career.
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For the better part of their 21 years, Blonde Redhead's intimate and patterned songwriting style have made them a unique voice in indie rock.
[xrr rating=2.5/5]Blonde Redhead made their name by turning ghostliness into their specialty.