Dark experimental album that hits all the right notes. Originally released in 2007, Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? was a concept album that detailed lead singer Kevin Barnes' transformation into Georgie Fruit, an alter ego created by Barnes to chronicle his then recent personal and relationship woes. The album is full of dark themes, harshly depicting breakup psychology while remaining relentlessly catchy as an almost mechanical synth-pop / glam band hybrid. Rather than treat the despair of loneliness and breakup with moody acoustic guitar ballads, Barnes goes headlong into his vulnerability with songs like the monolithic 12-minute "The Past Is a Grotesque Animal". Other songs to check out include the funky-fied "Gronlandic Edit," "Faberge Falls For Shuggie," or the wailing new-wave action of "She's a Rejecter." Throughout the album the melodies are instantly appealing, full of mechanized rhythms and synthesizer swirls. In many ways, Georgie Fruit is in the same vein as Ziggy Stardust, the album takes a direction many fans might not have imagined it would take, but Hissing Fauna is a fascinating album that will have you close to the table for repeat listens. 17 tracks in all, pressed on red and yellow 180g vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve. Comes with printed lyric and art sheet, and includes a download code for the album + live videos of “She’s a Rejecter” and “Faberge” filmed at the Avalon in Los Angeles. Released by Polyvinyl Records.

• 180g red & yellow colored double vinyl pressing
• housed in triple panel gatefold sleeve
• includes booklet w/ lyrics + additional artwork
• digital download included
• music label: Polyvinyl Records 2019

reviewed by Ralphy Corduroy 2/2019