Once again, Liars seem to have re-invented themselves. After the last couple of records were almost rocky, »WIXIW« (i.e. »wish you«) has become a dance album. They’ve put the guitars away and instead went for Native Instruments. Still, the comparison to »Kid A«, which is to be read everywhere, is too far-fetched, and that’s not only because Angus Andrew’s singing has a completely different timbre. It’s the whole sound-architecture, which neither involves the distinctive academical heavy-headedness nor is it chumming with the State-of-the-Art of Radiohead’s production methods. »WIXIW« sounds timeless in the best meaning of the word and ties in well with »They Were Wrong, So We Drowned«, due to its flickering sytnhs, its atmospheric loops and the ominous atmosphere. But Liars’ sixth record is not quite as gloomy and dissonant – maybe it’s even their most approachable one yet. That’s because the typical drones together with the mysterious to disturbing lyrics are either enhanced by a four-to-the-floor disco beat or by dirty and dubby basslines. Liars have yet again managed to surprise themselves and their listeners while remaining true to themselves. On the side, the trio from New York are already a candidate for this year’s best-of-list.
WIXIW
