As synonymous with late-aughts Williamsburg as just about any pop outfit, that name that Chairlift made for themselves nevertheless happened way back in 2007, and then blew up the following year with that ubiquitous “Bruises” Nano spot and a debut album. But that was nearly three and a half years ago. Where ya been?

Of course students of indie pop gossip know that part of the answer to that question as to do with a rather legendary breakup between front woman Caroline Polachek and band co-founder Aaron Pfenning, leading to Pfenning’s leaving the band and the whole thing nearly devolving into litigious nastiness. Dust finally settled though, and Polachek and remaining band mate Patrick Wimberly soldiered on, armed with a new deal with behemonth Columbia Records and a batch of new songs on Something, more layered and varied than the somewhat one-note sound of Chairlift’s debut.

While it doesn’t stray from the electro pop formula, the galloping bubble of single “I Belong in Your Arms” may be the band’s finest track to date, the jittery rhythms and wiry synths of opener “Sidewalk Safari” are matched by breathy singing that barely conceals some truly biting lyrics (perhaps all is not forgiven…), and a favourite of ours is the cool lounge sound pop of “Ghost Tonight”, showcasing the full range of Polachek’s vocal gymnastics.

The fourth estate is generally digging it. Here’s a sampling:

BBC: It offers a confident, head-held-high reappraisal of the band’s MO, with the newly-promoted Wimberly a more than capable foil for Polachek’s songwriting smarts.

Boston Phoenix: Veteran rock legend Alan Moulder and eclectic electro-guy Dan Carey make sure Something sounds as huge as its aspirations, bringing an impeccably massive sheen to every note.

Consequence of Sound: Chairlift’s 2009 signing wasn’t followed immediately with any new music; instead, Something surfaced more than two years afterward. It seems like a major delay, but it also gave the duo optimal time to make a killer synth-pop genre piece.
Pitchfork: the melodies are bolder, the arrangements have more snap and sparkle, and Polachek has thankfully moved beyond the first album's overly cerebral lyrics to embrace emotionally potent lines that explore the subtler dynamics of romantic relationships and the evolution of character.

Tell us what you think! Listen to it, rate it and write a review of Something from Chairlift.