Athen, Georgia-based band, of Montreal, is a band almost everyone enjoys. What’s not to enjoy about danceable neo-psychedelia pop music? However, I’ve had a personal battle with my preferences in regards to the band’s sound. I only really got into of Montreal after they took a turn for the dance realm (which would be The Sunlandic Twins album) but once I discovered their older material (the Coquelicot Asleep in the Poppies: A Variety of Whimsical Verse album) which was more reminiscent of Frank Zappa and The Beatles I was sure I liked the original of Montreal sound better. Once I saw them at Pitchfork Music Festival three years ago and noticed that they were going for a bit too much of shock factor, I stayed grounded in that opinion.

However, they’ve recently released two singles in anticipation of their new album, False Priest, and I can’t help but fall back in love with their danceable pop anthems again. “Coquet Coquette” is irresistible and their latest single, “Hydra Fancies,” is bumping so much funk I have to ride along. Kevin Barnes revealed that the album was going to have a prominent R&B vibe and it makes sense since songs such as “Hydra Fancies” have been mixed by Chuck Lightning, who is also Janelle Monae‘s producer. (Maybe those two artists touring together wasn’t so random after all.)

As for that whole shock factor issue I had, I’ve just learned that it’s expected of Barnes to rock out in a thong and for the band to throw balloons of red paint out on the audience.

Check “Coquet Coquette” out below if you haven’t already. Otherwise, make sure you take a listen to “Hydra Fancies” below!

Mp3: of Montreal – Coquet Coquette

Mp3: of Montreal – Hydra Fancies