They are still more varied and trendy than many other band, Yeasayer from New York. After the eclectic gems (2007) and (2010) the quartet again comes with a CD that sounds quite futuristic. The world music of the previous two CDs has been largely supplanted by angular electronic sounds. The rhythms are a lot less surprising, but the lead synths are all the more remarkable. Obviously, Yeasayer
… doesn't just use some of the default settings of the most common synthesizers. Although Yeasayer hasn't lost any of its depth, their well-known mix of indie, r & b and synth pop is cast in simple song structures. There is more cohesion within and between the songs and that is definitely good for listening to this album. Of course the quartet still has plenty of surprises in store, but it never gets really absurd, difficult or obscure anywhere. Fragrant World really is one of those records that would make other bands lose half of their fan base, but Yeasayer can only become more popular with Fragrant World. (JE)more