James Murphy’s universally cool LCD Soundsystem hasn’t released an album since 2010’s swan song This Is Happening. Following a documentary that served as a wake, and a 2016 reunion signaled via Facebook, the New York City band is back in earnest with Thursday night’s sparkling new singles, “Call the Police” and “American Dream.”
The immediate reaction across the web is that Murphy and Co. are ditching their percussive dance rock in favor of moody, layered, post-“Mr. Brightside” rock with heart. Both singles are bulky, each clocking in at north of six minutes, and longtime fans may recall the pummeling rock tempos of band favorites like “All I Want.”
“We don’t waste time with love,” Murphy sings on “Call the Police.” The song is built with the layers of a South American soccer stadium: loud stacks of mournful vocals and bended guitar wailing, mounted on top of each other with the shared goal to shake the earth and rattle visitors.
“American Dream” leads with its bevy of synthesizer lines and sobering vocals from Murphy. “Find a place where you can be boring,” Murphy advises, looking back on his life after 2011’s farewell concert at Madison Square Garden.
The band abruptly announced on Thursday that two singles would land at midnight, while also noting that album No. 4 is almost wrapped up. Murphy also hinted at imminent shows that won’t be condensed festival gigs.
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Do you love this band? If so it’s just about impossible to be unhappy with how these two singles landed. The music has purpose and warmth. Let’s get this LP on Spotify already.