MGMT- The New Era of Psychedelic Pop

MGMT (previously known as) The Management, have been around since 2002 when Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden, two neo-hippies from Wesleyan University, decided to form a band— but only recently have they been put on the indie rock radar.

            Their most recent album, Oracular Spectacular, (which is reminiscent of the times when Hendrix ruled the stage and Lou Reed roamed the village) is pure psychedelic-synth genius. In their song  “Time to Pretend,” (which has been made popular by teen shows like Gossip Girl and 90210) electronic keyboard riffs drone on as blissed-out voices manage “ This is our decision/ to live fast and die young/ we’ve got the vision/ now lets have some fun.” And in their song “Electric Feel,” stoner- disco beats pop with far-out, echoing voices that seem to come from a world of incense and shaggy hair.

            While the album has it’s danceable hooks, it also has synthy- folk riffs. In songs like “The Youth” and “Weekend Wars,” spacey guitars and muted vocals create blazed, hypnotic tones that show the soft, indie rock side of MGMT.

            They have performed at SXSW, Austin City Limits, Coachella, Lollapalooza and many other festivals, as well having opened for M.I.A, Beck, and Of Montreal.           

Ps: If you think you may like MGMT, try listening to:

Beck- Midnight Vultures

Santogold- Santogold