Of montreal

Definition

Of Montreal is an indie pop band formed in 1996, known for their eclectic style that blends elements of psychedelic rock, pop, and avant-garde music. They emerged from the Elephant 6 collective, a group of musicians and artists who shared a common experimental approach to music and visuals, reflecting the legacy and influence of psychedelic rock in contemporary music.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Of Montreal's sound is characterized by vibrant melodies, playful lyrics, and a wide range of influences including funk, glam rock, and electronic music.
2. The band often employs elaborate stage shows with visual art and theatrical elements that reflect their psychedelic roots.
3. Their album 'Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?' is a significant work that showcases the band's artistic evolution and explores themes of mental health and identity.
4. Of Montreal has maintained a strong following through their willingness to experiment with their sound and aesthetic, making them a prominent name in the indie music scene.
5. The band's connection to the Elephant 6 collective highlights the collaborative spirit of the indie music movement in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Review Questions

• How does Of Montreal's music reflect the influence of psychedelic rock?
  • Of Montreal's music embodies the influence of psychedelic rock through its vibrant melodies, surreal lyrics, and experimental instrumentation. Their eclectic sound often incorporates elements such as lush harmonies, unconventional song structures, and playful themes that harken back to the innovative spirit of the 1960s. By blending these features with modern pop sensibilities, Of Montreal continues to carry forward the legacy of psychedelic rock while creating something fresh and new.
• In what ways has Of Montreal contributed to the broader indie music scene since their formation?
  • Since their formation in 1996, Of Montreal has made significant contributions to the indie music scene by pushing boundaries with their eclectic sound and theatrical performances. Their association with the Elephant 6 collective showcases a collaborative approach to music-making that has inspired other artists. Additionally, their willingness to experiment with genres—ranging from funk to electronic—has influenced contemporary indie artists and broadened the scope of what indie pop can encompass.
• Evaluate how Of Montreal's artistic evolution reflects changing trends in popular music since the late 1990s.
  • Of Montreal's artistic evolution mirrors changing trends in popular music by embracing a diverse array of styles while remaining rooted in their psychedelic influences. As they transitioned from their earlier lo-fi sound to more polished productions in albums like 'Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?', they reflected broader trends in indie pop that began incorporating elements from various genres. This adaptability not only highlights their relevance in a rapidly evolving music landscape but also illustrates how indie artists can navigate shifts in musical tastes while retaining their unique identities.

Related terms

Elephant 6: A musical collective and community founded in the 1990s that includes bands like Neutral Milk Hotel and The Olivia Tremor Control, known for its DIY ethos and experimental sounds.

Psychedelic Pop: A subgenre of pop music that incorporates psychedelic elements such as surreal lyrics, unconventional song structures, and experimental instrumentation, often inspired by the 1960s psychedelic rock movement.

Kevin Barnes: The lead singer and principal songwriter of Of Montreal, known for his lyrical explorations of identity, relationships, and self-reflection, often drawing from personal experiences.