Deerhunter, the Atlanta-based experimental rock band, returns with their ninth studio album, "Why Hasn't Everything Already Disappeared?", released on 4AD. Clocking in at just under 37 minutes, this concise collection of nine tracks is a whirlwind of neo-psychedelic soundscapes, shoegaze textures, dream pop melodies, and noise rock intensity. The album, released on January 18, 2019, is a testament to Deerhunter's ability to blend genres and push boundaries.
From the haunting opener "Death In Midsummer" to the atmospheric closer "Nocturne", the album takes listeners on a journey through a sonic landscape that is both familiar and unsettling. Tracks like "Greenpoint Gothic" and "Futurism" showcase the band's knack for crafting catchy, melodic hooks, while "Element" and "Tarnung" delve into darker, more experimental territories. The album's title track, "What Happens To People?", is a standout, blending ethereal vocals with driving rhythms and swirling guitars.
Deerhunter's frontman Bradford Cox's introspective lyrics and distinctive vocals are a constant throughout the album, adding a layer of depth and vulnerability to the music. The production is top-notch, with each instrument carefully placed to create a rich, immersive soundscape. Whether you're a long-time fan of Deerhunter or a newcomer to their music, "Why Hasn't Everything Already Disappeared?" is an album that demands to be heard.