Of Montreal: Paralytic Stalks

     Athens Georgia has long been a mecca for musical creativity.  The college town has created some of the greatest bands of their respected genre, and Of Montreal is no exception.   Since the bands inception in 1997, Of Montreal has reinventing and modernizing glam rock.  Namely since the bands 2004's breakout album, Satanic Panic in the Attic, the band has repeatedly set the bar for flamboyantly over-the-top pop music.  With their release of their 11th album, Paralytic Stalks, Of Montreal continues to explore new realms of music.
     Although Paralytic Stalks still incorporates the funky porno synths that has made Of Montreal famous, there is more strategy and arrangement to the songs.  The songs are carefully crafted, and more artistically presented.  As opposed to its predecessors, which seem to run purely on vocalist Kevin Barnes' sexual frustration, the music of Paralytic Stalks runs like a soundtrack: a musical narrative to the cavalry of emotions that Barnes feels all the time.  fans of the band will still enjoy the lively beats, but critical ears will appreciate the intertwining of layered instrumentation that builds and climaxes.  The highlight is the bands final song, the 13 minute opus, "Authentic Pyrrhic Remission."
     While Of Montreal should be commended for trying something a little new, the album is still flawed by the band's reliance on its failsafe beats and risque lyrics.  Barnes is still using the band to come out of his own closet, and to test society's notions on sexuality.  Where this was once provocative, it is now schtick.   If it was not for the tactful instrumental arrangements, this album would sound like a collection of B-Sides.  Perhaps the main cause for Paralytic Stalks, and to a greater extent, the band's stagnation, is their determination to release new music so often.  Perhaps Barnes and the boys need to rest on their laurels a bit.
     Paralytic Stalks shows Of Montreal treading new waters within the same ocean.   While they are continuing to push the envelope, they seem to be bogged down by routine.  The album shows promise, though, that Of Montreal can operate on more than just pure sex driven id....they are clearly thoughtful musicians.