Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti – Mature Themes

Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti – Mature Themes (4AD)

Ariel Pink’s 2010 breakout album, Before Today, possessed many of the bizarre elements that earned him a devoted cult following in the first place, but was cleanly produced and accessible enough to introduce his music to a much broader audience. Mature Themes doesn’t present too big a departure, although the songwriting process was apparently more collaborative than ever this time around. Maybe Pink slipped the sonic equivalent of GHB into my ears with Before Today in preparation for this moment; I find myself feeling oblivious to the smug irony that irritated me with his previous work. Or maybe Mature Themes is simply the best thing he’s done yet. Try asking me again tomorrow morning.

By Carly Blair