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CD Review: Neon Indian, “Psychic Chasms”
Neon Indian
‘Psychic Chasms’
(Lefse)
A-
Austin-based Alan Palomo keeps busy. Before relocating to Austin from Denton last year, he made his foray into the world of synth-pop as Ghosthustler. Earlier this year he released an EP, “Well Known Pleasures,” under the moniker VEGA. That project still exists, but now we also have Neon Indian’s “Psychic Chasms,” a raw but appealing journey into Palomo’s musical psyche, where the familiar clashes with the abstract to create moments danceable pop punctuated by considerably more experimental noise.
“Deadbeat Summer,” with Palomo singing fairly nonsensical lyrics about “seeing thoughts on repeat” atop a tinny synth line and a lagging drum track is probably the most accessible offering here; it’s also a highlight, as it represents Palomo’s ability to push pop right to the edge with out going over. While the laid back, summertime feel of the album makes for easy comparisons to other buzzy psych outfits such as Cut Copy, MGMT or Passion Pit, Neon Indian sets itself apart through the use of samples (is that Wham!?) and trippy vignettes recalling old-school radio.
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