AT LAST: R.E.M. WITH NEW SOUNDS AND ENTERTAINING ALBUM “COLLAPSE INTO NOW”

Who expected it?

The old dragon R.E.M. is still spitting fire, and out of it they’ve formed unusually creative, musical fireworks. “Collapse Into Now” is refuge from the swamp of boredom - thanks to part of the album being recorded in the hallowed halls of Hansa Studios in Berlin.

The outcome is an approx. 40-minute album series of relatively short tracks - dynamics reminiscent of the once-celebrated LP format. No unnecessary filler or remnants are given a place, as we know it from typical current albums.

“Discoverer” is the first track on “Collapse Into Now”, and it lives up to its name. The music takes the listener back in time to rediscover the forgotten distinctive potential of the college rock legends from the USA. Do you remember “Crush With Eyeliner”? Then you’ll love “All The Best” on the new album. R.E.M. proves here, and not for the first time, that the discredited concept of arena rock isn’t necessarily a dirty word.

The mood of the tracks

The poignant, often weary-sounding voice of the artist sets the tone with impressive style throughout the album. Not only the melancholy aftertaste of “UBerln” opens up a new sound experience while taking in the tracks - “Oh My Heart” and “It Happened Today” are unmistakably in the same department. “Blue” with “Drive” and “Orange Crush” are in contrast the most intense songs that Rapid Eye Movement ever wrote. Mesmerising Southern American Gothic in consummate melancholy.

Altogether R.E.M.’s magic continues on its 15th studio album (albeit somewhat delayed) and the expectations of prospective buyers will be fulfilled.