Fading Frontier

Deerhunter's seventh studio album, "Fading Frontier," released on October 16, 2015, under the 4AD label, is a captivating blend of neo-psychedelic, shoegaze, dream pop, and noise rock elements. Clocking in at just 36 minutes, this concise yet powerful record is Deerhunter's most accessible work to date, striking a satisfying balance between their earlier experimental sounds and more recent melodic pop sensibilities.

The album opens with "All the Same," a track that might initially lead one to expect a continuation of the band's kooky eccentricities, but "Fading Frontier" quickly reveals itself to be a refined celebration of melody and rhythm. Tracks like "Living My Life," "Breaker," and "Take Care" showcase Deerhunter's knack for crafting infectious, corrosive pop rhythms that linger long after the music fades.

"Fading Frontier" is a journey through Deerhunter's evolving sound, with each track building upon the last to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. From the haunting beauty of "Leather and Wood" to the otherworldly soundscape of "Ad Astra," the album is a testament to the band's ability to push boundaries while remaining rooted in their signature style.

Brandon Cox's eclectic approach to songwriting shines throughout, with each track offering something unique while maintaining a sense of continuity. The result is an album that feels both familiar and fresh, a satisfying blend of the menacing grooves of their earlier work and the pop melodicism that has become a hallmark of their more recent releases.

Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to Deerhunter's music, "Fading Frontier" is an album that demands to be heard. It's a bold, brilliantly executed statement from a band that continues to defy expectations and redefine their sound.