LCD Soundsystem ALBUM: âÄúThis is HappeningâÄù LABEL: DFA For a genre already rife with clichés and imitators, LCD SoundsystemâÄôs James Murphy has always had his work cut out for him. With sincere songwriting and widespread acclaim, the buzz generated by LCD SoundsystemâÄôs last album, âÄúSound of Silver, âÄù skyrocketed him to the very top of the indie rock totem pole. MurphyâÄôs blend of self-deprecation and stylistic dance-rock attracted a disparate audience that included the East coast elite as well as more casual, club-going listeners. Three years and countless nods from âÄúbest of the decadeâÄù lists later, expectations were high for the release of âÄúThis is Happening.âÄù Luckily, Murphy has avoided burning out and returned with an upgraded brand of dance-rock that is as personal as it is catchy. While the sound doesnâÄôt leave its normal mold, itâÄôs clear from the lyrics that Murphy has grown up a bit. In place of semi-nonsensical romps are intimate tales of relationship woes and introspection. Despite the deeper content, Murphy still retains his playful demeanor. Punchy and energetic, the first half of the record picks up where âÄúSound of SilverâÄù left off. On the superlative opening track âÄúDance Yrself CleanâÄù Murphy mutters over pattering percussion before erupting into a crisp, feel-good, electronic frenzy. âÄúI miss the way the night comes/ With friends who always make it feel good/ This basement has a cold glow/ Though it’s better than a bunch of others,âÄù he laments, foreshadowing the more sentimental tone regnant throughout. The albumâÄôs most raucous moment occurs early on with the call-and-response single âÄúDrunk Girls,âÄù a frivolous throwback to Velvet UndergroundâÄôs âÄúWhite Light/White Heat. âÄù In the hypnotic âÄúOne Touch,âÄù MurphyâÄôs brooding baritone and trance-inducing synths recall David Byrne only to fade into the Strokes -inspired ethereal alt rock of âÄúAll I want.âÄù From there on, Murphy slides into melancholia that is occasionally drowned out by the numerous bells and whistles on the album. In âÄúSomebodyâÄôs Calling MeâÄù MurphyâÄôs high production works to his disadvantage as his vocals are overshadowed by heavy synths and the pick-up of the oddly-placed âÄúPow PowâÄù is more distracting than invigorating. However, in âÄúYou Wanted a Hit,âÄù Murphy is effectively defiant and confrontational before breaking out into a scorching guitar solo. It isnâÄôt fair to dub the record as an afterthought to âÄúSound of SilverâÄù but the album isnâÄôt a far cry from MurphyâÄôs previous efforts either. If the rumors ring true and âÄúThis is HappeningâÄù is indeed MurphyâÄôs final installment, the last note he ends on is a bittersweet one.