FADES

4.5 stars. CHEER ACCIDENT out of Chicago have been playing music since the early eighties and have well over 20 albums to their name. "Fades" was released in 2018 and was their 19th studio album at the time. This is my favourite album from them edging out 2011's "No Ifs, And Or Dogs" and 2009's "Fear Draws Misfortune". An impressive trio of records that encapsulates what this band is all about. "Fear Draws Misfortune" might be their best instrumental work but "Fades" blows it up vocally, so much better with many guests helping out as well here. "No Ifs, And Or Dogs" sort of sits in the middle of these two both vocally and instrumentally.

The band calls this their "Kraut-Pop" record and it does groove with some outstanding vocals throughout. We still get some odd ball moments and hey I hear harmonium, bassoon, baritone sax, strings and the like, so there's that. Over 20 artists involved in the making of this. The opener "Done" is not a favourite but I acknowledge it's a great introduction to the type of music you are going to hear and maybe the most commercial sounding of the ten songs as well. High pitched synths don't do a lot for me.

Having said that the next four tracks create a high water mark few have hit when you combine the melodic with the avant. "The Mind-Body Experience" has so much more depth then the opener and so catchy. The depth is heard in the distortion, baritone sax, bass and harmonium. Male vocals before a minute. "Monsters" just grooves and talk about depth. Vocals and insane laughter ends it. "I'm Just Afraid" has the best vocal performance in my opinion by a male named Sacha Mullin. Incredibly smooth vocals, love his tone. Horns too. "Trying To Comfort Mary" is another amazing track. Male vocals, drums and guitar stand out. Just a great tune.

"Art Land" isn't quite as good as the four that proceed it but is a stripped down track done by a trio of vocals, guitar/bass and drums. "Last But Not Lost" is more avant, bassoon too. Intense with pounding drums as vocals come and go. Carla from SLEEPYTIME GORILLA MUSEUM sings on here. "House Of Dowse" is hit and miss for me with those quickly strummed guitars, fast paced vocals and such. I like it better when it slows down after 3 minutes. "Caboose" is incredible after 2 minutes when the vocals step aside. So inventive sounding.

This was voted 9th best album for 2018 by the collaborators here.