Time to Pop

Along with a brand new album entitled Gliss Riffer, electronic deviant Dan Deacon has also given the world a tasty new video for the album’s single, “Learning to Relax”. [Seizure warning, so don’t watch this one unless you’re in a soft, padded room like me.] This one is pretty mesmerizing, sort of like a kaleidoscope reproduced with the ‘congratulations’ screen that appears if you manage to win a hand of solitaire.

As for the song itself, we’re treated to a hectic blend of brief background vocal samples, growling synths, and a simplistic drum machine pattern. Deacon is unafraid to use unconventional [or downright abrasive] lead vocal effects that can either be off-putting or work really well. In “Learning to Relax,” the processed voice seems to fit in the latter category, adding to the rough texture of the piece. About halfway through, the song changes character briefly to a very smooth, downbeat type of rhythm, perhaps marking the point at which he learned to relax, and then gathers momentum to end with the same power the song began with. Overall a pretty sweet tune, and the vid fits it perfectly.

Check out the previously released single from Gliss Riffer called “Feel the Lightning” right here.

This is a more straight-up pop tune, though it retains some of the more experimental vocal performances that Dan often employs. The female lead vocals on the chorus are so soothing that they act as a counterbalance to some of  the more distorted vocals in the rest of the tune. As you might have guessed, Gliss Riffer is pretty out there, yet it remains accessible.

Dan’s the mastermind behind some interesting videos, including but not limited to his incredible appearance on NBC morning, CRYSTAL CAT, and legendary viral sensation Drinking out of Cups. [He also scored and cameo’d in one of Adult Swim’s latest ‘infomercials’ but you can track that one down for yourselves.]

Catch Dan Deacon at the Cat’s Cradle on April 16 and enter to win a chance to meet Time to Pop!