They Might be Giants re-enter the musical world with their latest studio album, BOOK. This comes in as the band’s 23rd full-length album, including their children’s albums. Filled with all kinds of sounds and driving tones, BOOK simply never has a dull moment. The group brings their usual fun and carefreeness, bringing listeners along for the ride.
John Linnell and John Flansburgh met and began playing and writing music together as teenagers in Lincoln, Massachusetts. Even after separating to venture to different colleges, in 1981, the duo reunited. They released their first record back in 1986, now fast forward, BOOK is their 23rd album following behind their 2018 release, My Murdered Remains. Their musical creations also branch to children’s music and podcast as well as other independent releases.
The opening track, “Synopsis for Latecomers,” beckons the listeners just joining in an attempt to catch everyone up to the craziness that is They Might be Giants. The song plays like a march, or rather sailors work song, that answers the curious questions about the odd sounds and commotion emitting from the songs that are about to play. It is straightforward with a driving snare percussion and a hard-cut gritty guitar.
Sounding like a modern-day Beach Boys track, “Moonbeam Rays” kicks off with over-exaggerated nasal vocals that are joined by a sunny surfer rock instrumental. As the song progresses, it quickly takes on a gentle punk element, combined with a mixture of early 2000s indie rock. The drums begin to crash and drive, and the guitar chugs in the background. Admittedly, by the time the song does come to a close, the nasally quality of the vocals keeps one from wanting to replay it again.
“Lord Snowdon” welcomes the listener in with a delicious ’60s-style organ that plays throughout the song. Among the playing organ, the song gives the feeling of an army march coming in as fighters “report for duty. “If Day for Winnipeg” hits the ears with a clashing of several sounds culminating with a blubbering deep bass drone. With all the different elements, this track feels like a whimsical fever dream.
The oddly playful yet awfully dark track “Drown the Clown” resembles that of a colorful child’s party song though, it paints quite the adult topic. The hoppy twangy of the organ in the background brings the track to the major key, causing the listener to sing the dark lines with a smile.
“Part of You Wants to Believe Me” is a single off the record that showcases the major key tone and energy throughout the album. This happy-go-lucky-feeling track sings of the high caused by the taking of a drug and the confusion that comes along with coming down from the ride. No matter the subject between the lines, the song is a total finger snapper that jives and uplifts with each listen.
The closing track, “Less Than One,” is a high-energy song from start to finish, ending the record on a high-power note. Vocally, it gives the effect that the song continues to raise and raise as the vocals get higher and higher within the hook.
Overall, BOOK is a fun, eccentric record full of commotion and playful musical talent. They Might Be Giants bring their personal tone once again, leading to a never-boring moment.