Since their first tentative steps a decade ago, the career of Portland's Menomena has seen them rise slowly, taking a softly-softly approach to getting where they are today. Some bands hit front pages and big sales within their first couple of records and some creep up on you over time as these guys have. The same could be said for their individual songs or albums, they don't slap you round the chops on first listen and announce their arrival, they gradually tiptoe into your consciousness over time, and it may be this very reason that's meant critical acclaim hasn't quite transferred to widespread public acceptance. Despite a Grammy nomination they remain a fairly underground proposition. Since their last offering in 2010, founding member Brent Knopf has departed to concentrate on his Ramona Falls project (a more immediate attention grabber than Menomena) leaving the core duo of Justin Harris and Danny Seim.
True to form, 'Moms' can pass you by initially, with a sound that's clearly well thought out and accomplished but slightly devoid of the gold dust that other more notable experimental indie-rock bands seem to possess. It's worth persevering with because slowly but surely the songs reveal their hidden depths and begin to lodge in your brain. As a rough generalisation you could chuck in comparisons to both TV On The Radio and Super Furry Animals, with the excellent 'Capsule' and 'Baton' displaying a certain similarity to the Welsh psych-rockers later work. Elsewhere the pounding beats of 'Pique' and 'Giftshoppe' add beef to their sound without having to dip into a harder rock style, offsetting things nicely with plenty of brass, keys and harmonies and the odd pop hook appearing here and there. The proggy 'Heavy Is As Heavy Does' is in with a shout for album highlight along with the aforementioned 'Giftshoppe'.
Like much of their work so far, 'Moms' requires a little effort on the listener's part to not necessarily expect instant gratification. With a little extra attention songs such as 'Skintercourse' transform themselves from the slightly bland to the slightly Beta Band, themselves an acquired taste. Only 'Tantalus' fails to haul itself out of mediocrity and, naturally, the ten-minute finale of 'One Horse' might be a bit much for some. What is apparent from the outset is that much though and effort has been put into Menomena's fifth album, and it's not in vain. They may not run up and grab you by the jugular, but there is much to be found here that will stick and add longevity. It's often the case that the more immediate albums lose their flavour quicker, but it's the exact opposite with this record which is likely to go on providing enjoyment long after the honeymoon period is over.
For a free download of 'Capsule' head to Menomena's website
Stream the album in full
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