Search - Juan Maclean :: Future Will Come

What's Past is Prologue

K. Carlyle | Middle America | 04/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The irony of the title of The Juan MacLean's sophomore album 'The Future Will Come' is immediately apparent the second the laser hits the spinning disc and the first track fades in. Dusting off an old Korg and a drum machine, The Juan MacLean sound as if they've locked themselves in a room with Human League and Heaven 17 LPs circa 1982.



And that's not a bad thing.



Crafting catchy pop songs from modest means has always been tricky. Yet, they make it seem so effortless. The entire album is strong and flows smoothly from track to track.



Starting with `The Simple Life' we are served a simple hook and driving synth bassline for a full 4 minutes before the first vocals appear. Setting the stage for what is to follow, this album is a juxtaposition of male and female voices, which at times play off one another and at other times seem to be unaware that another person is in the room.



The female vocals are provided by LCD Soundsystem's Nancy Whang. Stepping into the role of a 21st century Phil Oakey, is former Six Finger Satellite guitarist John MacLean. Not quite as smooth (and not quite as androgynous), MacLean does a more than serviceable job behind the mic.



The title song `The Future Will Come' recounts the ho-hum banality of suicide. It's all been done before. Stop thinking your dramas are anything special. Instead of a morose and somber tune, the jaunty tom toms and congas make the grim reality of death somewhat appealing. Or at least danceable. As MacLean tells us, "The future will come for everyone. A liveable life is a pretense."



Up next, `One Day' is the most obvious Human League moment on the album, playing like the sequel to the story told in `Don't You Want Me, Baby.' Unlike that 1981hit, this song is from the female point of view. She states matter of factly "You've denied me, baby, the satisfaction of your love." It's over. She's walking out and he's left with nothing but her picture, which he's going to take down anyway, because he's just not that into her either. Interestingly, through falsetto a rival suitor urges her to get out and leave the other man behind. She's left repeating the hopeful chorus over and over that "One day baby you'll realize that I'm the one."



The rest of the album tells a narrative of hooking up, breaking up and moving on.



Picking up the pace and upping the fun factor with `A New Bot' leads us to `Tonight,' which at over 10 minutes, recounts hooking up with someone as the club closes and it's time to head home.... at least this time not all alone. As Morrisey asked, 'How Soon is Now?' `Tonight' is the answer.



`No Time' follows and reveals the dirty truth of that casual hook up. "Tomorrow when the morning comes I'll be ready to get home. Thank you for a lovely evening. Everybody needs some loving. Bodies are made for moving. So shut your mouth." I didn't pick you up for conversation. We both know what this is.



`Accusations' takes the break up song and makes it oddly cold. As she sings about "I get so emotional these days" in a sing-song near monotone, you don't get the feeling that she's just torn up about the loss. She may as well sing "yadda yadda yadda, yawn." Perfect!



In `The Station' MacLean tells his side of the breakup. He tried to call. She won't answer. Eh, I tried, babe. "You're line was busy." With `Human Disaster' MacLean reflects on what was. The slowest and most introspective track of the album, the solo piano intro creates a haunting backdrop that dovetails nicely with his mournful vocals.



The album rounds out with the previously released single `Happy House.' At over 12 minutes, this epic is both catchy and danceable. Moving on to new romance, our female protagonist has moved on and is thankful that her partner is "so excellent."



And excellent it is. The entire album is superb, retro-inspired yet forward-looking pop electronica. This fine effort leaves me wanting more.

`The Future Will Come' again and I can't wait until it does.

"