Oberhofer - Chronovision

Brad Oberhofers Debutalbum Time Capsules II kam bei den hiesigen Plattenrichtern eher mittelmäßig an und landete am Ende des Jahres 2012 auf Platz 56 – da konnten auch meine 9 Punkte nicht viel rausreißen.

Vor kurzem ist das Nachfolgealbum Chronovision erschienen und macht genau da weiter, wo der Vorgänger aufhörte: Verspielter, mit Piano, Xylophon, Streichern und Keyboards versehener Indie- und Powerpop (so sagte Dirk es einst).

9 Punkte also von mir, je 7 Punkte von Under The Radar bzw. AllMusic:

The Brooklyn band returns with Chronovision, the follow-up to 2012's Time Capsules II, with sunny victories similar to forgotten '80s covers. It's concise, a true feat considering he cut down from 106 demos to 12 songs. From the New Wave punch of "Memory Remains" to the surf pop of "Together Never," Oberhofer's saccharine hooks help him swallow the death of his roommate and various inevitabilities of life.

More so than on Oberhofer's debut, Chronovision feels rooted in the tight static of '80s new wave, but veers occasionally into sweeping orchestral pop and psychedelic grandeur. The sessions that eventually made the cut were mixed by Ben Allen (Washed Out, Animal Collective) and have a more muscular feel, especially on standouts like "Nevena" and "Someone Take Me Home." The punchier, less frenetic rhythm section allows room for some of his busier arrangements to work, but overall, Chronovision feels less cluttered than his debut. Another highlight, the majestic and poignant piano ballad "Sea of Dreams," represents Oberhofer's dreamier side and is probably the most affecting track here.