Warpaint seem to channel many influences at once on their sophomore release. The eponymous album takes flight where their debut left off. From the pastoral instrumental jams peppered with female vocal harmonies that made up their 2010 debut, The Fool, Warpaint take a decidedly more polished turn. Their debut's success seems to have gotten the attention of more than a few industry heavy hitters. On production duties this time around is Flood (who's produced everyone from U2 to PJ Harvey) and behind the boards handling the mixing is Nigel Godrich (who you know from, well, Radiohead). Even 90s video powerhouse Chris Cunningham has been enlisted to handle the visual side of the album. And while Warpaint is not a drastic departure from their debut, it certainly takes things in a different direction. From "Keep It Healthy," which sounds like Cat Power jamming with Goat to the heavily hip hop (possibly M.I.A.) influenced "Disco//Very," this is certainly a different cup of tea. Fans will be more than pleased, though. The ethereal textures and beautiful female vocals are intact and pushed to the forefront. It's a kind of magical transformation, as if Warpaint have engaged in some sort of subtle metamorphosis under the spotlight. The further you dive into the album the more you'll see that Warpaint are drawing on more than just shoegaze for guidance.

• black double vinyl pressing
• housed in gatefold jacket w/ printed inner sleeves
• music label: Rough Trade 2014

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 01/2014