An unfinished version of Bradford Cox’s newest album, Logos, was accidentally leaked last year on his own Mediafire account. Cox was apparently so miffed by the ordeal that he threatened to scrap the whole album, and it’s a good thing for us he didn’t. Cox second full album as Atlas Sound flows together beautifully and makes a fantastic follow-up to 2008’s Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel.
The album starts off with the gurgling beauty of “The Light That Failed,” then softly fades into the suffocating “An Orchid,” before transforming into the catchy sunshine pop of “Walkabout,” Cox collaboration with Animal Collective’s Noah Lennox. He also collaborates with Stereolab’s Laetitia Sadier on “Quick Canal” an elegant collection of hazy guitars and krautrock rhythms. But the album is Bradford Cox’s show. The achingly beautiful suicide/love pact “Shelia,” the shades of doo-wop on “My Halo,” and the warm guitars of “Criminals” are all great addition to Cox’s collection of delicate bedroom pop.
Cox continues to grow as a songwriter stepping further and further away from his comfort zone, while still maintaining the gauzy pop and cryptic lyrics that his fans have come to love. Logos is a real step forward for Cox and a rewarding listen.
Key Tracks: “Shelia”, “Criminals”, “Walkabout”
WPGU Music Staff Rating: W-P-G
W = Poor
W-P = OK
W-P-G = Good
W-P-G-U = Great!
