One part '60s pop, one part dark kraut rock, and one part ear-splitting white noise, The Legends' latest album, Over and Over, has some shock value mixed in. The band delivers some lush throwback ballads while, on several occasions, giving them a violently distorted, razor-sharp edge.
Right away, the ominous cloud hovering over the escapist opener, "You Won", hints at the tumult to come on Over and Over. What follows is the train-wreck/impossible-to-look-away single "Seconds Away". It's another otherwise innocent kraut-pop gem, but with irrepressible squealing, squelching guitars taking over. The noise-fest continues on "Always the Same" but disappears until "Recife", giving listeners a little bit to figure out what the hell just hit them. All migraines aside, there are some calming, pleasant numbers on Over and Over, like the swaying "Monday To Saturday" and acoustic-based "Turn Away". The aesthetic difference between the title track and the following flamenco-flavored "Jump" are downright staggering. With an outrageous mix of toe-tapping and skull-splitting songs, Over and Over might just be the most bipolar album of the year.
Whether you prefer the smooth flow of Over and Over's more sober side, or the startlingly electrified side, there's no doubt you'll remember this album years down the road. Shock value usually works, and while there may not be any getting used to the noise, it'll at least draw your attention to the more "musical" songs on this album.
