The metaphor of the good player and the superstar.
The idea I got three years ago from listening to "Atlas" was that of an album with good ideas, but missing that extra spark, the final push towards the finish line.
Today in 2017, Real Estate returns to the scene, but along the way loses an important card for their songwriting, that being Matt Mondanile, now fully dedicated to his Ducktails project.
"In Mind" (Domino), despite the departure and the entry of new guitarist Julian Lynch, and a few timid diversions from the theme (the piano presentation of the finale "Saturday" and the electric coda of "Two Arrows"), sees the ship's helm, led by Martin Courtney, still decisively following the gentle, pleasantly spring-like jangle-pop route that fans of the four are now familiar with.
An album that sounds as expected, staying within its comfort-zone, with its best moments in the fresh melodies of "White Light" and "After the Moon," the former already ready for end-of-year playlists, but that overall feels a bit tedious to listen to in full.
No rainbow flicks, elastics, and step-overs to provoke standing ovations from the whole stadium, and no jaw-dropping performances, but you could still feel satisfied if Mac DeMarco is on your list, you are looking for sweet caresses on the face, and you are patient enough to reach the closing credits.
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