Psychedelic fourth album from Dan Snaith. While Caribou has primarily explored the house landscape over the last decade, the first two official records—The Milk of Human Kindness and Andorra—are more rooted in the folktronica and neo-psychedelia genres. On Caribou’s Merge debut, Snaith’s singing and songwriting are at the forefront, taking cues from the likes of The Zombies and The Free Design. Although it wouldn’t be until 2020’s Suddenly that Snaith sang on every track, Andorra is truly the first record where he uses his voice as the primary instrument. Album opener, “Melody Day,” is a dazzling flurry of flutes, crashing drums, and overdriven guitars, which was highly praised by Kevin Parker as an inspiration for Tame Impala. “Desiree” sees Snaith lament a fading love overtop of orchestral flourishes, whereas "Sundialing," another love song, dives full-on into krautrock territory. The most electronic song on the whole record, “Niobe,” hints at the vast sonic shift that occurs on the subsequent record, Swim. 9 tracks on black 180g vinyl.

• 180g black vinyl pressing
  
• gatefold sleeve
• digital download included
  
• music label: Merge Records 2007

reviewed by SHH! 08/2021