Ducktails - Ducktails III: Arcade Dynamics

In preparation for this review, I promised myself that I would refrain from using the words "beach", "chill", and "summer"; but let's be honest here folks, such a task is near impossible with an album like this. From the righteous calls of "Don't go killin / killin the vibe" to the lethargically pleasant guitar licks, Ducktails III: Arcade Dynamics sinks your toes in sand while simultaneously giving off an aural sunburn. It's laid back and casual, never once trying to impress anybody with anything; because come on now, that wouldn't be cool.

Unfortunately for the listener, though, the apathetic concept that this album is built by is both its turn off and its strong point. Throughout the 34 minute LP, Matthew Mondanile lazily strums gorgeous sounding riffs carried by reverb and good wholesome vibes. Everything sounds great, but it's oddly off-putting that the artist is unimpressed by his own product. In contrast, Mondanile's role as guitarist in the indie-rock band Real Estate is central and organized. With more effort put in by other members of the band, the songs just work that much better.

The atmosphere created by Mondanile's rich guitar tone is noticeably relaxing, but because there's nothing else really offered from this LP, most of the songs blend together without doing much more than making your head sway subtly from side to side. It's almost as if Ducktails III: Arcade Dynamics doesn't want to be noticed, which is a shame really, because the album has its fair share of catchy melodies.

In an abrupt change of events, Mondanile ends the album with a 10 minute ambient piece comprised of soloing guitar and fireworks. No more melodies, no more singing, no more sense of a party on warm July night; instead, we sit back and reminisce with the now heightened atmospheric beauty. It's a perfect way to end an album built from the ground up in lavish guitar tones, but a part of me leaves disappointed, frustrated by the lack of consistency and stand-out tracks.

3/5

Recommended Tracks: "Killin the Vibe", "Art Vandaley", "Porch Protector"