Nicolas Jaar: Sirens (Deluxe Edition) Vinyl LP

Sophomore studio album from Chilean-American Nicolas Jaar. Sirens, Jaar's long awaited follow up to 2011's Space Is Only Noise, is arguably some of the best work he's released. It's a varied and confident work that finds Jaar once again exploring his voice, a study in contrasts that is political without being overtly so. He makes references to his Chilean roots and that country's troubled past. There's a cryptic nature to the album that is inherent in both the music and the lyrics. Disparate elements are presented together as the sounds constantly twist and turn. There are contemplative moments ("Wildflowers," "Leaves") and more incessant pieces. "The Governor" packs a sense of urgency that sets it apart from its preceding tracks. It's matched only by the post punk tinged "Three Sides Of Nazareth." However, the most memorable moment may be the closing cut, "History Lesson." It starts off innocently enough, like a psychedelic doo-wop number, before Jaar drops in some disturbing lyrics. And somehow it is able to capture the full emotional complexion of Sirens. Nine tracks in all. Released by Jaar's Other People on black vinyl housed in a scratch off ink cover with a quarter.

• deluxe edition with white scratch off ink cover
• cover is made entirely of lottery paper
• United States Quarter comes with purchase
• most covers partially scratched due to packaging
• music label: Other People 2016

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 10/2016