Congratulations MGMT

MGMT first formed during the band members’ college years at Wesleyan University.

Ben Martin Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden have since made their residence in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where they have a loyal hipster fanbase at their beck and call. Since signing with Columbia Records in 2006, MGMT’s career has quickly hit new heights. With only one album in its history, MGMT has already claimed numerous awards, including Best Album of the 2000s at the NME Awards and Best Remixing Recording at the Grammys. 

MGMT is a psychedelic, trippy band recording in the 21st century, yet their music brings fans back to the hippie days of the 1970s, especially on their newest album                     Congratulations. 

Before its release, Congratulations was highly anticipated. After Oracular Spectacular had such success with hits such as “Kids” and “Time to Pretend,” the band had high expectations to live up to.

Too many people only know MGMT for their most popular tracks, which could prove rather disadvantageous for the band considering Congratulations does not have any tracks that are truly single material. Although this album contains a variety of catchy songs, such as “Song for Dan Treacy,” “Indie Rokkers,” and “Congratulations.”

The track “Someone’s Missing” offers a mellow mood for the listener, whereas “Flash Delirium” is more electronica-based and much less relaxing. I must say I really enjoyed the song “I Found a Whistle” because we see MGMT straying from its comfort zone the most with this track. Additionally, MGMT has clearly enjoyed experimenting with its music and sound as the second-to-last track, “Lady Dada’s Nightmare,” is purely instrumental.

A downside to this album is its lack of the connection and thematic feel for which Oracular Spectacular was notable. As a result, the album leaves fans with an incomplete feeling by comparison. Meanwhile, this album allows us to appreciate MGMT’s desire to make music that is not like every other band’s album. Another interesting aspect to this album is that the band experiments with not only their sound, but also the construction of the album itself. For example, “Siberian Breaks” lasts for over twelve minutes and has been placed in the middle of the album.

Congratulations may not gain as much approval from fans because the message of Oracular Spectacular’s stirring and inspiring songs, like “Kids” and “Time to Pretend,” were so well-received. In addition to this, Congratulations was leaked on the Internet on March 19, nearly a month before the album was officially released for sale. Consequently, MGMT may be upset if (when) its record sales are not nearly as profitable as Oracular Spectacular’s. Furthermore, Congratulations may also attract an audience that is less mainstream. However, while this album is less dance-y than their last album, I personally still like it because it shows a less familiar, mellow side of MGMT.

For those who are unfamiliar with MGMT, it sounds similar to Passion Pit, Vampire Weekend, The Flaming Lips, and Cut Copy. While I recommend you check out this album, I would also advise you to listen to its older tracks, including the lesser known tracks “Love Always Remains” and “Weekend Wars.”

While I don’t see a valid reason for you to not download this album, if you are unsure or if you just want to get a taste of Congratulations, then head over to the band’s website at whoismgmt.com to stream it for free. Unfortunately, they do not have many upcoming shows on the East Coast besides Bamboozle in May; however, they will tour in Europe next fall so some students studying abroad may luck out and get to see them.

So let’s congratulate MGMT on taking a risk by making this album more surprising than fans anticipated, yet incredibly pleasing.