Caribou’s Andorra is a beautifully choreographed album. Ontario born studio creator Dan Snaith uses hypnotic rhythms and surreal tones on each track. His sound has come a long way since the days of his one-man band Manitoba. Finally his creative journey has led him to Andorra which is arguably his best studio album. Pressing play on his fourth full-length album is like being yanked back into the days of flower power. These surreal tones allow the album to flow from song to song like a radio playlist. Each track is densely packed with swirling flute loops, bells, drum fills, and warped strings. These elements help to create deep grooves in each song. Andorra’s first and best track ‘Melody Day’ is an acid drenched symphony of psychedelic pop. The third track ‘After Hours’ is a blissed out harmony that has gorgeous overtones and lyrics. Each of the next two tracks has a peaceful and groovy pop harmony. ‘Desiree’, the album’s fifth track, possesses the same symphonic qualities of ‘Melody Day.’ This easily makes these two songs the highlight of the album. The quality of organized chaos jams such as ‘Eli’ and ‘Sandy’ is undeniable. These tracks stray into dreamy sound with darker overtones. ‘Irene’ slows the pace down a bit until the album dreamily moves into a stirring closer, ‘Niobe,’ which brings the orchestrated chaos to to a worthy end.
Andorra is for those looking for a new sound in times of imitation and repetition. Try it out just once and give a listen. Your fifteen dollars or so will be well spent when you discover Andorra’s beautiful new sound.
