“Paralytic Stalks,” Of Montreal’s eleventh album, was self-produced by the band’s mastermind, Kevin Barnes. The result is one of the more flowery indie rock albums, with lots of pop flourishes, awash in toned-down psychedelic soundscapes and occasionally driven by dance beats. The music is exuberant and every so often experimental in nature. Frantic rhythms are complemented by layer upon layer of often reverb-drenched vocals, effects-processed drums and seemingly spur-of-the-moment arrangements. From the psychedelic pop number “Gelid Ascent” to the torrential noise of the long track and album closer “Authentic Pyrrhic Remission” the group takes the listener on a wild ride. Catchy melodies and groovy rhythms alternate with weird soundscapes. The soul funk of “Dour Percentage” has strong ’70s leanings. The weird noisescapes of “Exorcism Breeding Knife” seem to be a take on “The Devil’s Triangle” from King Crimson’s second album, “In the Wake of Poseidon” (1970), while “Winter Debts” includes a reference to “Laura Palmer’s Theme” from “Twin Peaks.” “Paralytic Stalks” is a veritable psychedelic freak show.

by artistxite