of Montreal Tell Us That ‘It’s Different For Girls’ In Exploring Dilemme Féminin

of Montreal explore the “dilemme féminin” with their newest release, ‘it’s different for girls’. The song examines the dangers inherent in breaking gender down into strictly male and female, and says, “It’s different for girls, from when they are children they’re de-personalized, aggressively objectified…” as well as “It’s different for girls, they are mercurial creatures, not a masculine dissonance or sexual currency”. In doing so, the song attacks social codes rather than stands as a feminist anthem.

Altogether, ‘it’s different for girls’ is, underneath all its politics, a catchy tune with a semi spoken vocal track, a la perhaps Lene Lovich; there’s even more than a passing resemblance between Lovich and the eye-shadowed of Montreal lead singer, Keith Barnes.

‘Innocence Reaches’, from which ‘it’s different for girls’ comes, is the 14th LP in a career spanning two decades from the Athens, Georgia band, whose music is a mixture of 60s psych-pop, funk, and prog rock. The new video sees a cast of colourful characters involved in what appears to be the most glamorous and boundary-breaking dance party ever – or at least for 2016. With the room filled to capacity with balloons and bright lights, combined with signs complete with adjectives such as “hot”, “delirious”, “smooth”, each participant takes their turn on the dance floor, showing their moves. The mood is light and playful, and welcomes all shapes, colours, and orientations.

‘Innocence Reaches’ is available on August 12 as a double LP, CD, tape, or digital download from Polyvinyl Records. It’s also available on iTunes, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Amazon, Spotify, Google Play, and Soundcloud. Click here for details.

Find of Montreal online on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and their official website. The band are currently on tour across Asia before returning to the US.