The Raveonettes
Observator
(VICE)

Soft and dissonant, Observator is a continuation of the well-crafted indie rock that The Raveonettes have been creating since their first full-length, Chain Gang of Love, back in 2001. Similar in sound to Mazzy Star and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Sharin Foo of The Raveonettes is Denmark’s version of Karen O. And like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Raveonettes are heavily inspired by New York City even though Observator, the band said, was supposed to be their ‘Los Angeles album’. But no matter which coast inspired which specific songs the warm, fuzzy sound that hangs over both the guitar and percussion on these nine tracks makes it feel like they are wrapped in city smog. This album won’t have you feeling happy any time soon, but sometimes it is the darker albums that we listen to on bleak, grey days that manage to put us in the right state of mind. — Kelly Kettering