Listened to both records this morning, they work really well together. Perfect for a rainy Monday morning here in Brooklyn.
Okay, I know we've had it as a single, but Space Invader holy shit. Quarter after four in the morning My heart's software gore Why'd I leave it like that No idea what that means, but damn if it doesn't pull on my soul.
I like Alphabet City but it doesn’t really feel like the opener for this set of songs. As cool as it is, it feels like a great b-side on the 7” to Deep End or whatever the normal first single for this would be. Weird Goodbyes is stylistically different but the vocals and brightness/clarity of it matches the record well, I think.
my first impression is this is a little top heavy (besides "Smoke Detector" which is an obvious knockout) but I think some of those later tracks will land with time. First five songs especially make for an incredible run. "Space Invader" might still be my favorite of the bunch, though. I'm thrilled to keep listening
While I don't entirely buy the whole "F2POF rebuilt our trust, Laugh Track is the result of that trust being back", I do love a bit of a throwback album.
If you can look past a lot of the National affect being pulled back, First Two has a lot of cool little experimental textures for them. I think it’s more varied in the kinds of songs and what they do vs. Laugh Track which lives in a very distinct, brighter, clearer, louder space. I think they make each other better and are nice palate cleansers for each other.
Still unfortunately listening to this in bursts but at first play, there’s not a single miss. This is an album of what will be fan favorites.
Because everything since has had at least one song that maybe didn’t fit - this is the most cohesive album they’ve released since HV/TWFM
everyone acting like this band is so washed when i am easy to find was just the album before last smh