Our fabulous guest blogger, Jordon Chiarelli, shares his thoughts on the brand new album. On LP4, Ratatat has cranked up the complexities of their arrangements by trying out new sounds and gadgets to bring listeners a fresh collection of ambient electro dance-pop. The album opens with “Bilar”, a groovy head-bobber which even features some spoken German text. “Drugs” melds psychedelia and Daft Punk-esque guitar ‘wa-wa’ sounds (I think I heard a bong toke in there). “Bob Gandhi” is a stand-out track with a heart-racing tempo, followed by “Mandy” – a fun and mysterious tune with circuit-bending techniques and multiple layers. “Party With Children” shows off Evan Mast’s talents with the synthesizer while guitarist, Mike Stroud, is equally as strong making this one of the album’s most impressive jams. “Sunblocks” is easily the album’s best selection – it’s melodic yet transfixing and leads well into “Bare Feast” which pulls in worldly influences (particularly African rhythms). The album ends with “Alps” – an optimistic and Cure-esque tune. Ratatat has successfully topped LP3 while bringing a fresh outlook to the present. Official TMS Rating: 7/10.

MP3: Ratatat – Party With Children