Texans Spoon return with their latest album ‘Transference’ an album with some interesting production traits, but not straying to far from the sound we expect from the band. Album opener ‘Before Destruction’ begins with a pulsing drumbeat akin to that of a beating heart, building the intro with the first interesting production trait a droning keyboard in the left ear and the right ear changing several notes. All building to a potential all too predictable loud section but this isn’t the case instead the constant thumping heart remains along with an acoustic guitar and enter Brit Daniel’s scratchy but clear “Before Destruction…” The song is by no means a song to judge the album off, merely a warm up to the transferring from your state pre-listen to the newly entered ‘Transference’ state of mind. The keyboards setting an eerie tone one that is carried through out the album somewhat.

Don’t fret though the following track ‘Is Love Forever’ has the guitar tone of Brit Daniel’s straddling the forefront. Choppy but coated in the warmth of his overdriven guitar amp, the sound of a tube amplifier slightly fuzzy yet clear a pleasant sound for any connoisseur. Once again the listener is presented with another interesting technique, close observation will lead you to hearing voices particularly present with head phones. The feeling of being ambushed by Daniel’s may not be such a bad thing anyway. This track can be seen as somewhat of a second opening track, clocking in only a few seconds over two minutes.  Littered with delayed vocal tracks and just to throw you the unexpected the vocals also ending short of their repeats.

‘Mystery Zone’ at track three is the song that reminds us of the ‘Spoon’ we know and love.  The song is a mysterious in its self, backwards backing vocals continuing your transfer. The best part about this song is once again Daniel’s decisions in keeping the listener unassuming. Listen closely to how the song is ended, I won’t give it away too much. But no your CD, record or download is not broken, its just his genius at work and your ‘Transference’ into a ‘Mystery Zone’

‘Trouble Comes Running’ sounds like a song that could have fit on their previous effort ‘Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga’, with a similar rhythmic singing style. Possibly also the heaviest song on the album but nothing out of the ordinary for Spoon, just a little heavier and uptempo.

In contrast to the previous track ‘Goodnight Laura’ is much slower in tempo and a tender moment with only a piano accompanying Daniel’s voice. So tender in fact he offers a word of advice in an almost lullaby like manner. “If you want to fall asleep be very still, and you close your eyes and slow yourself and let the worry leave you”. The song a sweet and soulful serenade to all the Laura’s of the world.

Rounding out the album ‘Nobody Gets Me But You”, an ode to all the people who take their time to look after someone they care about. With a repetitive and strong bass line leading the song and the Spoon chaperone out of the ‘Transference’  along with spliced piano samples leaving you questioning where it is you have really gone in the last three-quarters of an hour.

Transference is definitely an album you need to give a few listens. If your not playing close enough attention you will miss the little intricacies of Brit Daniel’s genius. His ability to keep the listener guessing, in the crafting of catchy pop songs is an art of its own. Hopefully the wait for their tour in the middle of the year passes by quickly. 

Rating: 8.5/10