Eric R. Danton on MGMT

"After surprising even themselves with the success of their dance-friendly 2007 debut, 'Oracular Spectacular,' MGMT heads a drastically different direction on the follow-up. There are few hints of sweeping candy-colored electro-pop on 'Congratulations' (Columbia), which finds Wesleyan University alumni Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden dabbling in psychedelic rock. … From the late-'60s musical arrangements — vocals soaked in reverb, jangling guitars, droning organ — to solemn, weighty lyrics about Portentous Things, the whole thing feels just a touch conceptual, maybe even deadpan. Or maybe the first album was the tongue-in-cheek record, and 'Congratulations' represents the real MGMT. Either way … there's plenty to love about 'Congratulations.' Though understated compared to their predecessors, these songs are smart and catchy. Opener 'It's Working' splits the difference between surf-rock and '70s TV theme, 'Flash Delirium' lays subtle synthesizer over punchy bass and drums and 'Brian Eno' is a swift, paisley rave-up full of organ and swampy bass as MGMT celebrates the groundbreaking producer and musician" ("CD Review: 'Congratulations' by MGMT," 4/12/10).