The Raveonettes’ In And Out Of Control is just darling

The Raveonettes In and Out of Control

Few bands have evolved as beautifully as The Raveonettes. They have always had an admittedly apparent 50s pop influence, but the band started as something more rough and tumble. The first track on their first release, “Attack Of The Ghost Riders” from 2002’s Whip It On, is intensely dark and harder-edged. From there, they patiently explored old pop styles and feedback-laden music until 2007’s Lust Lust Lust, on which they took a turn for a slower, deeper psychedelic sound.

Now, on their fourth full length album, The Raveonettes have taken a look back at their roots and evolved it further. It seems like taking a break from the sound on Lust Lust Lust allowed them to gain perspective on what they’ve been doing and better shape it. So what we get on In And Out Of Control is a wonderfully original blend of that same 50s pop with modern-day themes and more frilled edges. Many of the songs feature dark lyrics and cute melodies that go together like flowers and mud.

On “Boys Who Rape (Should All Be Destroyed)” this is super clear. One of the album’s standouts, the track evokes a sense of overwhelming sadness and frustration, wrapped up in a grooving pop song. Sharen Foo croons with little emotion or inflection, which is half the point. The Raveonettes are not here to give us insight into their own emotions or lives, they’re simply offering background music to yours. They’re the really awesome band that plays at prom but doesn’t interfere with the dance (an idea that actually works really well with the track, “Last Dance”).

The great thing about the album is that it is simultaneously a collection of singles (an idea clearly from their pop influence) and an experimental exploration of a sound. They have successfully emulated their idols while keeping their own musical ideals alive. That idea, coupled with their wonderfully new/old-school sound makes for a terrifically fun little record. It doesn’t blow your mind, but I don’t really think it needs to.

The Raveonettes — “Boys Who Rape (Should All Be Destroyed)” [MP3]

The Raveonettes — “Last Dance” [MP3]

Buy In And Out Of Control on iTunes

Comments are closed.