The Double - Loose In The Air Album Review

The Double
Loose In The Air
Album Review

Say the words 'Loose in the Air' to someone and they will presume that you've let one slip, perhaps take a step back and begin to breathe shallowly. Well that needn't be the case; this is Brooklyn four-piece, Double. And this is their new album. Their debut release on Matador records, let's see if the art-rock quartet found themselves at their new home.

With more influences from the late 1960's than from years of late, how can these guys possibly hold ground in an ever-evolving modern scene? Clouded in what many have deemed to be 'electronic noise', Double's sneaky pop sensibilities shine through their deconstructive approach to off-kilter-indie-rock. Original members, drummer Jeff McLeod and lead singer/guitarist come bassist, have, with the help of guitarist Donald Bearman and Jacob Morris on Keys, really carved themselves deeper into their niche with the manic vigour of a crazed etcher on a rampage. With Steve Revitte, knob twiddling button pusher with Black Dice and The Liars, at the production helm, 'Loose in the Air' marks a new chapter in the book of Double. Here the guys have managed to cement their rickety, idiosyncratic sound, and run with it.

Despite being what some would consider 'lyrically weak', the ingredients used in this audible feast, 12oz of Velvet Underground, a dash of the Doors, and a pinch of Pavement's psychedelic enthusiasm, manages to keep the mouth watering. Double have something of a fragile sound. There's a distinct sense that their sound could crumble at any moment. Don't get me wrong. These guys are tight as a band, yet manage to create their own deliberate near-disaster of a sound.

Where does this leave us?! Erm…*coughs*… 'Loose in the Air' is what Alice would have had on her I-pod when she fell down the rabbit hole. The soundtrack for your journey of self-discovery…not concise enough?? Okay, well for those of you who need a point of reference. Double sound like Interpol on a comedown after a festival. How's that? Enjoy.

Thom Holmes