‘Post Pop Depression’ is an apt title. It marks a definitive new direction for the icon, internationally renowned for his brazen punk performances, opening up an era of post-Iggy Pop. As well as potentially being the final release by the 68 year old having announced to Beats1 the possibility of retirement, it’s also a far more subdued sound than many have come to expect.
Recorded in a secluded desert location alongside Queens Of The Stone Age’s Josh Homme and Dean Fertita, as well as Arctic Monkeys’ drummer Matt Helders, it carries the sound of its setting. From the opening moments of ‘Break Into Your Heart’ the record is musically sparse. Although occasionally expanded by the surprisingly complimentary grandiose – take the closing moments of ‘Sunday’ for example – ‘Post Pop Depression’ is built around Pop’s raspy tones; the music theatrical but never consuming.
This bleakness mirrors the desert. ‘Vulture’ sees Pop break into Arabian wails, carried by a steady tempo that oozes with musical denudation. Everything is sparse, be it Pop’s sporadic vocal explosions or Homme’s intricately minimalist guitar work. The melody is subtle, reserved almost entirely for ‘Gardenia’ and ‘Chocolate Drops’, both of which keep the record’s immovable pace. This is a sound not to be hurried.
With each of the musicians bringing their own take to ‘Post Pop Depression’ – comparisons to Queen Of The Stone Age and Artic Monkey’s ‘AM’ are unmistakable – it still presents itself as an Iggy Pop record. Should it be, ‘Post Pop Depression’ is an entirely fitting swan song to Iggy Pop’s career. As he spits through the closing moments of ‘Paraguay’, Iggy Pop brings his seasoned venom to the desert.
BEN TIPPLE