The Avalanches - Wildflower

The Avalanches
Wildflower
2016
Spotify

16 years is a long time to take a break, but that is how long it has been since The Avalanches put out a new record. Not only did they take their sweet time getting this out, but it is also only their second record. On Wildflower the Australian DJs are back to their old tricks taking samples from damn near any place imaginable and forming them into cohesive, direct and beautiful music. What sets this record apart from their first however is the use of guest vocalists. It really is the goal of most producers to secure these marquee names to feature on their records, but originally The Avalanches were different never bringing people in and instead only relying on the samples they pulled for their voices. On Wildflower we see a number of features including Father John Misty, Toro y Moi and Biz Markie which makes the record feel a bit less like a look back at 70s and 80s DJ culture and more of something modern. With that the songs also become more distinct rather than just one album full of music. The flow is absolutely still there on this album though, you can play it right through and get the full experience or pick the songs you like and go from there. Nostalgia is big here, as it would be when using samples, and at times it can become a bit overwhelming, but for the most part it just gives you that nice warm feeling.

The rap tracks on the record including "Frankie Sinatra" are the weakest here. The hip hop edges to close to the cute joke rap that at one time thrived, but now just seems kinda wack. A real highlight however is "If I Was a Folkstar", and it is the beginning of some of the more modern electropop songs on the album. These are really some of the best work that The Avalanches have done and could be an album all on their own. The journey that Wildflower takes you on is one of remembering. Looking back on those really pretty moments in your life and smiling. It is not about stress, or high energy, instead The Avalanches would rather lay back and reminisce. You get the sense from both records that they represent some kind of close of an age and then The Avalanches wrap that age up in an hour long bow. The music is not mind blowing or incredibly exciting, it's just really really good in a peaceful way. The Avalanches also keep their songs very tight, very rarely going over three minutes adding to what is already a fantastic flow in the album. It is fascinating to call this type of music relaxing, but it really is and it never sacrifices artistic integrity for that relaxing feel. It may have been a long wait, but it was worth it, and hopefully it won't be another 16 years before we get to go on another journey with The Avalanches.

8.6 out of 10