Sufjan Stevens, best known for his now-defunct musical tribute to the 50 states, changes course with his new All Delighted People EP. Clearly not content to keep producing whimsical songs with sing-a-long choruses and plucky banjo, the native Michiganite has gone big and grandiose. Self-described as a “dramatic homage to the Apocalypse,” “All Delighted People (Original Version)” is a mish mash of orchestration and booming choruses punctuated by clanging symbols that is heavy and longwinded. The other tracks on the EP are actually more interesting, with standout tracks “Enchanting Ghost” and “The Owl And The Tanager” that are more restrained, but much more emotional and affecting. It will be interesting to see what Stevens’ next full-length will sound like. It’s great to hear him exercising his musical muscles and not making the same old same old, even if it’s not always a success. – Written by DBosket
SIMILAR | Andrew Bird, Clogs, Lost in the Trees, Marzuki, Owen Pallet, Shannon Stephens, St. Vincent