Why MGMT's new album might suck

It's harsh - I know that. But somebody has to warn fans in case this blog's headline comes true. And it might as well be me.

On April 12, when MGMT's new album Congratulations is released in New Zealand, it's likely the band's legions of fans will be very disappointed.

But how can I say this when I haven't even heard the album?

Here's how. Back in 2008, and up to the middle of last year, MGMT could do no wrong. The band rode a wave of unexpected success, headlining festivals and topping charts with those awesome three singles: Kids, Electric Feel and Time To Pretend.

They were awesome songs, trippy, psychedelic pop from an album called Oracular Spectacular that had hooks and choruses for Africa. They sparked an entire genre of similar-sounding bands from Brooklyn (check out Amazing Baby, Dirty Projectors and Grizzly Bear) and topped both NME's Single and Album of the Year list in 2008.

Don't get me wrong - I loved the album, I loved those songs and I loved the band. Credit where credit's due, right?

But take a listen to their new single Flash Delirium here, or download it for free here. That's right - it's a mess. It's about 23 different songs rolled into one. It's a weird, disjointed medly of sounds, and it's got me worried that Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden don't know how to follow up the unpredictable success of their debut.

They've had too much time, read into their own hype and had too much smoke blown up their bottoms. I don't think they know what to do or where to take that difficult second album. Flash Delirium sounds like they had too many options, so decided to include them all.

The other thing that makes me worried is their three-night stint at Auckland's Powerstation last year. They're not a tight live band, and they didn't seem too keen on playing their hits, bogging the show down with jams and new songs that didn't really connect.

If you're a fan, that might all be a bit of a downer for you. But don't get too upset. There's another band around that will make up for it if MGMT's album does indeed suck.

They're called Yeasayer. They're from Brooklyn. They make trippy, psychedelic pop in the style of MGMT. And their new album is called Odd Blood. You'll love it. I guarantee it. Just check out Ambling Alp and nod your head in agreement. Then go get the album.

I can be easily swayed. Just ask Coldplay. If Congratulations is awesome, I'll be the first to eat my copy of Oracular Spectacular with a knife and fork. And I'll be seeing both these bands perform live next month, so I'm in a good position to judge.

Make your own mind up and listen to Congratulations.

» Follow NZStuffBlogs on Twitter and get fast updates on all Stuff's blogs.