Magnifique is a return of antediluvian proportions forRatatat, who’ve remained out of sight and out of mind for half a decade. Almost uncontrollable in their flight of fancy, Intro introduces the listener to the most jittery of discotheques. Dance like Ian Curtis with unbridled abandon as you listen to this, from the James Chance funk of Cream On Chrome to the Caribbean sounds of Magnifique.
This duo go up and down, in and out and sideways in search of the perfect instrumental. Taking a trip on the wavelength of an old school AM radio, you can hear soundbites of prog rock, electro, calypso, country rock and everything in between, including hints of Kraftwerk and Stars On 45.
Primetime has enough dub in the background to keep ears perked up waiting for the next surprise. Then comes I Will Return, which commences with the languid, longing feel of a Hawaiian summer holiday for those doomed to struggle through a sub-zero tundra.
Every track is a winner, including the Daft Punk homage, Nightclub Amnesia. Cold Fingers presents the antidote to any sticky fingers as you cannot stop snapping along to the beat, as electro refinement combats traditional distortion.
During the first years of their existence, Ratatat appeared capable of releasing albums on call.Although Magnifique has taken substantially longer, the gestation period has allowed them to generate a magnum opus that’s brimming with ideas.
BY BRONIUS ZUMERIS
