Arguably the most consistent band of the 2000's releases its first album of the new decade, and, not surprisingly, adds another solid album to their canon. Spoon's 2007 release Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga saw them taking a new direction, namely that of cleaner production and an assortment of new instruments (new to Spoon at least). To a band that has been so heavily rooted in minimalism, it was quite a shock to hear songs with horn sections and even Motown influences. So which direction exactly do they take with Transference?
To put it simply, Transference is a return to a formula familiar with Spoon. Gone are the lush horn sections and pop-influenced songs. The new album sounds very similar to their 2001 album Girls Can Tell, which is my personal favorite. Returning to an earlier sound often indicates a lack of creativity, but that's certainly not the case with Transference. It's the little things that have brought about the biggest changes in their sound. Krautrock influences (namely Can, from whom they get their namesake) mark the majority of the songs as usual, but in a more bass and drum-heavy manner than on previous albums. In fact, many of the songs rely so heavily on the drum and bass grooves that they lack (or rather, have no need for) an explicit melody. The rhythm of many of the songs is closely associated with the sound and feel of a road trip. Songs such as "Mystery Zone," "Who Makes Your Money," and "Got Nuffin" imitate the TCK TCK TCK of a car zooming past the white lines on the road, and "Is Love Forever?" has a definite Bowie influence (Berlin-trilogy era). The album ends like any good road trip, with slower songs implying a conclusion to a journey and a shift to introspection.
The only downside to the album is the inclusion of "Got Nuffin" which had previously appeared on a 12" single a year before. While the song fits well with the other tracks, it's disappointing as a record buyer paying for the same thing twice.
So to sum it up, Transference is rawer in nature than Spoon's previous two efforts. The Velvet Underground, Krautrock, and beat influences remain, but the album sounds remarkably fresh. After 17 years and seven albums, it is safe to say that few bands have done so much with so little for so long. The album may not fill a dance floor, but it's well suited for a long road trip. It's amazing how songs lacking a melody can still be so effortlessly catchy. And it is exactly this sense of casualness and informality which has made Spoon so consistently appealing. It is only upon multiple listens that you realize how endlessly layered and brilliant they truly are.
Rating: 92/100
Best Moments:
"Trouble Comes Running"
"Mystery Zone"
"Is Love Forever?"
"Who Makes Your Money"
"Nobody Gets Me But You"
