Transference wastes no time in its weirdness. Opener “Before Destruction” is a solemn, preoccupied trill, where Britt Daniel’s traditionally upfront vocals are smothered in a distinct layer of tapedeck miasma. It skulks along at a caustic, uncomfortable pace, and is sure to put off any listeners waiting to hear this year’s “Black Like Me.” That being said, it slides directly into “Is Love Forever?” a straightforward, upwards frolic whose only shred of weirdness comes at a (slightly unnecessary) quadruple delay on the chorus – and that concedes un-deviatingly towards “Mystery Zone,” which is probably the most comfortably “Spoon” song on the album. But before we get relaxed, the album smacks us with its most befuddling curve ball; the frigid “Who Makes Your Money” is nearly guitar-less, and totals little more than a deep-house synth-thrust and an utterly unfunky bassline. Pretty divergent from the candid rock ‘n’ roll the band is traditionally distinguished for.

It’s curious to wonder if this change in tone is a reaction to the band’s newfound popularity or simply artistic ambition. Spoon are definitely no stranger to studio experimentation. Their affirmed classic Kill the Moonlight owed a lot of its idiosyncrasies to compulsive nod-twiddling, but even then the songs came out like minimalist world-crushers, (“The Way We Get By” being the most obvious example). Transference as a whole just seems a little unsure of itself, (it’s even lyrically anxious, featuring some vaguely-emo quips like “Nobody cuts me like you.”) Odd, considering the band is producing themselves for the first time since 2002.

Despite any ambiguously, it should be reinforced that Transference is a really good record. This is Spoon we’re talking about, so it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that all eleven of the tracks maintain a certain amount of swagger - even amidst the restless atmosphere. And honestly, if you’re even remotely attached to the indie rock world, you’re going to end up checking this one out; just don’t go into it expecting another wholesome, undiluted escapade like Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga.

Recommended Tracks: “Mystery Zone” “Got Nuffin” “Written in Reverse”

-Luke Winkie