LCD Soundsystem - American Dream

Rating:

This is LCD Soundsystem hitting their groove.

There are different kinds of pressure a band has to thrive under. The pressure of getting noticed, of selling out shows, of delivering a debut album worthy of attention then following it up with something that hits the same high mark. Of touring the world, of being away from home for months on end, living an unsustainable lifestyle on buses, planes, trains and beyond. But none of these compare to the pressure that LCD Soundsystem could have put themselves under with their fourth album.

Having already slipped into the night, returning - by James Murphy’s own admission - meant their comeback record would have to be exceptional to be accepted as even 'alright'. Then again, nobody said this game wasn’t fixed. This is, after all, LCD Soundsystem; a group of such quality that missteps and failures are an alien language. When Murphy and his band of sonic adventurers believe a record is so good it demands they step back into the fray, it's far more than a cynical grab to keep the reformation money train moving - it’s art.

‘American Dream’ isn’t ‘Sound Of Silver’. That should be on the table early doors. It isn’t the immediate, era defining record that burns long and bright, practically perfect in every way. That’s not to say it’s not its equal, either. If there were any doubts they might be about to destroy that legacy, they’re put firmly to bed within the first couple of tracks. By the time ‘Other Voices’ brings in the ice cold vocal cool of Nancy Whang, the deal is sealed. They’ve still got it.