The Clientele

I Am Not There Anymore – Merge Records

Three decades on into their career, The Clientele craft together one of the most diverse sounding albums they have ever produced. At times orchestral, hints of bossanova, and shades of ambient electronica all highlight the broad scope of their interests and add depth to each track in this 19-song album, I Am Not There Anymore. This marks the 7th full length release for the band on local Durham, NC label, Merge Records. Frontman and guitarist, Alasdair Maclean, still provides the 60s jangly aesthetic that makes the Clientele so special and such a pleasant listen. It is their chamber pop take that remains a constant.

My favorite track (song #9), “Blue on Blue,” has layered sounds and chorus with a buzzing programmed beat. There is a slight shift in the song with orchestral flourishes, but quickly bounces back to its original tempo. The first track, “Fables of the Silverlink,” is an epic 8 minutes of electronic beats under synced cello strums. It slinks into a very Stereolab-sounding keyboard and horns arrangement, then shifts again into mellow guitars, before trending back to classical strings. There is even an interlude 3 minutes in with Spanish vocals from Alicia Macanás! Track 11, “Claire’s Not Real,” is a diversion into bozzanova, with 60s-style vocals and sound. “Lady Grey,” is a track that has an undateable tempo and theme – surely it could have been written any time in the last 50 years.

The vibe on this album is warm, peaceful, and reflective. Such an important show of growth from these guys that only opens the opportunity for more experimentation and emotional progression on future releases. They play Motorco in Durham, NC on Sunday, August 13 if you want to see them live.

Favorites: 9**, 11**, 1**, 15**, 6**, 18**, 5**, and 3*. Tracks 2, 4, 8, 10, and 14 are short instrumentals that are moving, delicate pieces that have a melancholic pop. Track 7, “Conjuring Summer In,” is another instrumental, albeit longer.

– (h)earwitness