MGMT
Little Dark Age

Time for the fourth test at long distance, but with the strong flavor of the last chance, for the American duo MGMT.

The legacy of a fundamental debut like "Oracular Spectacular," capable of standing as a classic of modern indie rock and gifting three great classics of the genre (the now-iconic "Time To Pretend," along with "Kids" and "Electric Feel"), proved far heavier than the duo composed of Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser could have imagined, to the point of leading the band into heavy swerves through experiments with no end in themselves, which resulted in little (the barely sufficient second album "Congratulations") or nothing (the third eponymous album).

For this new, highly anticipated, "Little Dark Age," the two have decided to start on the right foot; new producers (in addition to the MGMT themselves, Patrick Wimberly of the synthpop duo Chairlift and Dave Fridmann, historical accomplice of Mercury Rev and Flaming Lips) and, above all, a (well-chosen) revival of a pop musical language, scattered across the previous two releases. An approach highlighted by the four singles released before the album; the lead and title track had erroneously suggested a new wave approach, immediately denied by "When You Die," co-signed by a heavyweight name like Ariel Pink (and you can tell) and dominated by a chorus that sticks in the head on first listen, folk adorned with delicate and appreciable orientalisms. "Hand It Over" is a smoky slow piece that takes the honor and the burden of closing the album, paired with the equally ethereal "When You're Small," while the magnificent 80s triumph smelling of Wham! in "Me And Michael" pairs with the equally pompous and more rhythmic "One Thing Left To Try."

Enjoyable and right is the wild opener "She Works Out Too Much," which sounds like Daft Punk indulging in LSD in the company of the B-52s. "James" weighs from the Floyd Barrett period, and you can sense it, while "TSLAMP" plays with the tropical.

A great album, this "Little Dark Age"; a full relaunch of the American duo, and what English speakers would call a "return to form" in every respect. An album that regains accessibility compared to the two previous tests, doesn't get lost in experiments with no end in themselves, and can be listened to with disarming ease. An excellent choice also in terms of quality, as the new tracks can comfortably stand alongside the best things from the duo's past, without the slightest embarrassment.

Welcome back, definitely.

Best track: When You Die