Album Review: Neon Indian’s ‘Era Extrana’

Brian Charlton
Contributing Writer

With so many new musically inclined technologies sprouting, it is no wonder the do-it-yourself approach to music has boomed in the past couple of years.

One of the most notable outcomes in genre is the “chill wave” scene. Many artists have attempted such a musical venture, but few have succeeded in the way Neon Indian’s Mexico native, Alan Palomo, did with his debut album “Psychic Chasms.” Its acid-glazed attempt at experiencing a lazy summer spent in an all-too playful and hilarious teenage world brought forth a new wave of ’80s synth pop.

In his sophomore album, “Era Extrana,” Palomo has tried a more adult and immersive experience that you would get if you felt wonderment, isolation, happiness and longing laced with dizzying synth loops in an ’80s arcade game – lasers and all.

One of the standout songs of the album, “Hex Girlfriend,” talks of lovesickness, giving it a dark romantic quality. Much of the album projects this with an intricate and accomplished sound.

Although the album exudes some interesting traits, there are some reservations. Palomo seems to be stuck in an era with his songwriting. As compelling as the songwriting is, he doesn’t seem to have found himself in his music and is less self-assured tackling darker themes. The album lacks, as well, the same initial flash as his first, to both fans and new listeners. Still, the album’s quaint charm demands multiple listens to take note of all the intricacies involved. [3 1/2 stars]

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Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, “Before Today,” 2010

Palomo stressed that a huge influence on him was Ariel Pink, whose band Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti came out with the amazing “Before Today” in 2010. This album is a Magic School Bus trip back to the greater (and stranger) aspect of ’80s pop, but written for a modern-day “Twilight Zone” episode. Notable songs include “Bright Lit Blue Skies,” “L’Estat,” “Fright Night” and “Menopause Man.” [4 stars]