Stephen Malkmus’ solo albums don’t have the same lasting impression as those made with Pavement, his legendary band that dominated the American indie rock scene in the 90s. And yet, his studio entries are always a treat. The eighth − on which Malkmus has been working for close to ten years and that his label promptly rejected in 2017 – is a complete oddity. Production, guitar, vocals, bass, organ, drums, rhythm box, Roland 2080, and even Moog, the ex-Pavement leader handles everything himself, without calling upon the Jicks, his usual sidemen. He also trades in indie pop and guitar slacker rock for a more cerebral electronic blend of krautrock, synthetic new wave and German-flavoured post rock. The result is reminiscent of early Kraftwerk, Brian Eno, Human League, Bowie’s Low, and a whole bunch of sounds from another era that Stephen Malkmus brings back to life. On certain songs (Ocean of Revenge), he reverts back to his familiar lo-fi. On others (Rushing The Acid Frat), he flirts with psychedelic garage. Elsewhere (Forget Your Place), he frowns and become more oppressive than ever. The listener is left astounded by this wonderful and eclectic mess, thinking that 52-year-old Malkmus is still stupendously nimble. © Marc Zisman/Qobuz