Kevin Barnes’ Of Montreal reemerged with newfound vitality on last year’s lousy with sylvianbriar, once again making me pay closer attention to the very prolific and ever-changing outfit. New single “Bassem Sabry”, named after the Egyptian activist and journalist, is the opening track of upcoming album Aureate Gloom, and is Of Montreal’s version of psychedelic funk; sexy and a bit starry-eyed, but it works, and Barnes can check the box of yet another well-made and focused venture. Look for Aureate Gloom on March 3 next year via Polyvinyl.
