Fischerspooner - Odyssey

Fischerspooner
Odyssey
Capitol Records
Grade: A-

After a thrashing success with their debut record #1, the New York-based duo Warren Fischer and Casey Spooner have refocused the mission of the music and have unleashed one of the hippest records of the year. Unlike their long-winding electronic movement towards #1, Fischerspooner went quickly after rock moments to give their electronic breathing a solid foundation on Odyssey; and so named record. This included working with producers and songwriters such as Mirwais, Tony Hoffer, Linda Perry and Susan Sontag. The final outcome is just brilliant. And if nothing else the added rock parts will certainly expand the appeal of Fischerspooner. After the warm opener “Just Let Go,” comes the striking high point of the record “Cloud.” “Cloud” comes in with electronics and bass builds towards just breathtaking vocals, particularly on the chorus. These first two numbers introduce you to the ‘rock’ concept that Fischerspooner is exploring. It is not electro-punk jammed your throat. But rather a melodic and radiant FM radio sound that is smoothed out by their traditional dose of keyboard electronics. After the appealing “Never Win,” “A Kick in the Teeth” offers up the next dazzling array of melodic and catchy choruses. “Everything to Gain” and “Ritz 107” are unabashedly in the vein of Air, while “We Need a War” is the piece drawn out by Sontag. The repetitive vocals are compelling, but, again, “We Need a War” soars when backed by female vocals on the chorus. “Wednesday,” “Happy” and “All We Are” are mildly weak, while Odyssey finishes on the odd early-80s electronics of “Circle.” Look for “Cloud,” “A Kick in the Teeth” and “We Need a War” to be ripping off your pants in the near future. At the rate of offending some, for those who are fascinated by Postal Service but are looking for more consistency track-to-track pick up this latest from Fischerspooner.