A futuristic group with a sound that sounds like a capsule from age hitherto unseen, Argonauta’s self titled debut record is a luscious record that’s hard to pin down to any clear genre or style. Harbouring elements of pop, electronic, rock and more, the New York based duo are perhaps best compared alongside an outfit like Radiohead but with a style and energy that’s far more exemplary of an indie rock group. Delving into a host of topics, the record addresses the emotion of our times especially so in the past few years (mental health, loss, isolation), while also providing moments of levity, joy and hope.
From the opening piece ‘Kate’, you’re thrown into a soundscape that seems incomprehensible in its diversity. There’s something unsettling and dark to it, but simultaneously there’s a whole lot of warmth and sunshine strewn in. ‘Chivalry’ has something similar, opening with glowing electronic sounds that feel like sparkles in the night sky. It’s vibrant, exuding warmth and effervescence. The vocals are continually tuned and layered to give that hyper pop feel across. ‘Let Me Go’ is perhaps one of the most poppy tunes on the record, a delectably melodic piece that has a chorus to sing along to very easily and addictively.
But then there are also tunes like ‘Apocalyptic Love’, far more dreary and downcast in their emotion and style. It’s not your average electro-pop record, there’s so much more going on that I can’t even really tap it to a particular group. It’s experimental at its core, continually innovating and providing you with track after track of immense intrigue.