Review: Caribou Embraces Multicoloured Eclecticism In ‘Suddenly’

Caribou | Suddenly | City Slang

Release Date: 28 February, 2020

Canadian musician, composer and producer Daniel Snaith has been a driving musical force since the inception of his career in the early 2000s: known under multiple monikers, he originally adopted the byname Manitoba in his early stages – however he subsequently established himself as Caribou, performing his works live with the accompaniment of his band (made up of Ryan Smith, Brad Weber & John Schmersal) making for mesmerising events – and later on embracing his love for the dancefloor under the name Daphni, beloved for his bewitching club-ready cuts. Showcasing a massive plethora of releases over the past decade, the critically acclaimed artist is celebrated with his bold and dynamic approach toward his creations and willingness to experiment – Snaith is a master of splicing genres into highly unique and immersive releases.

With his highly anticipated 5th LP as Caribou – ‘Suddenly’ is Caribou’s first full-length release in 6 years – following 2014’s ‘Our Love‘. The musician’s multifaceted musical approach is significantly highlighted with a noticeably more personal aspect shimmering within the album: combining his prowess when it comes to catchy electronic cuts along with his experimental indie dream-pop roots.

‘You and I‘ glistens with the honeyed touch of twinkling synths and steady percussion; opening with an enthusiastic, concentrated beat and buoyant synth chords – the aura sings reminiscent of the comforting mellow feel of dreamy indie-pop, glittery and uplifting with warm hints of nostalgia. Snaith‘s tender vocals are rosy and soothing, musing introspectively as if journeying through a delicate daydream. The tranquility of the relaxed melodious aura segues into a jovial rhythmic dance, joyful processed vocal samples chanting in an animated swirl amongst playful oscillating synths: the track closing with an overwhelming crescendo of chaotic yet charming timbres.

‘Like I Loved You‘ glows with an introspective romanticism, a hazy, emotional reflection; nursing a consistent, head-bobbing beat that brings to mind the dulcet and soulful R&B love ballads of the early 2000’s. Snaith’s velvety vocals blossom with an atmosphere that almost feels Radiohead-esque in nature, comparable to the melancholia of Thom Yorke’s soothing, meditative vocal expression. Passionate guitar lines sweep intricately within the track, bright-eyed and vivid with a unique sentimentality, a sprightly segue into a sugary electronic soundscape – gradually building into an elaborately woven harmony of immersive textures.

‘Magpie‘ opens as the rising sun on a distant horizon; beams of light piercing through gossamer silken curtains, the blurred vision of sleepy eyes gazing thoughtfully upward, the rooftop above a clear dawn of memories as the earth continues to spin outside; Snaith’s lyrics ripe with a bittersweet nostalgia.

It’s been five years since you’ve been gone, and now

Oh how the time has passed me by

But sometimes it’s as though you’re with me now

I think about you all time

The sunny golden hearts of sparkling synths segue from the distance into a colourful foreground, carefree and lively in their enthusiasm; while the auditory aura remains light-hearted, the lyrics cradle the stirring theme of loss, reflective and touching but with the clear lucidity of acceptance.

Rating: 6.5 / 10

Feature Image: Caribou by Thomas Neukum