FOR an album whose working titles included Pastor of Muppets and Shitty Shitty Band Band, the Dandy Warhols have gotten rather serious on This Machine.
The indie-pop darlings, who are best known for the hits Bohemian Like You and We Used To Be Friends, haven’t released a studio record since the poorly received Earth to the Dandy Warhols in 2008.
In turn, it seems, the Portland quartet has grown up.
This Machine is a fresh beginning for TDW. While they retain plenty of pop swagger, it’s a darker, less commercial vibe.
Opener Sad Vacation doesn’t follow the pop formula with its distorted bass, squelchy guitars and lo-fi vocals. But it’s catchy.
Enjoy Yourself is throwback Warhols, the addictive I Am Free should see a single release.
And Well They’re Gone, a gentle, haunting effort, is the CD’s surprise highlight.
RATING: ★★
IN SHORT: Just dandy
