The following text field will produce suggestions that follow it as you type.

Loading Inventory...

Barnes and Noble

Scaled and Icy

Current price: $10.49
Scaled and Icy
Scaled and Icy

Barnes and Noble

Scaled and Icy

Current price: $10.49
Loading Inventory...

Size: CD

Visit retailer's website
*Product Information may vary - to confirm product availability, pricing, and additional information please contact Barnes and Noble
Crafted during pandemic, ' sixth full-length, , is a snapshot of the emotional highs and lows of quarantine life, set to some of the catchiest tunes that the Ohio-bred duo have ever produced. With COVID-19 halting what was to become the continuation of the lofty narrative of previous albums and , set to work in their respective home studios, exchanging ideas across the country. The results are as the title suggests ("scaled back and isolated"), but could just as well be "tightened up and simplified," resembling the relatively lively and lighter fare of their first two albums. That nostalgic vibe transports listeners to 's early days -- before turned them into global superstars -- when straightforward songwriting, melodic delights, and everyday themes ruled the day. They only benefit from this focus; without the pressure of the band's ever-growing mythology, is simply a feel-good album to be enjoyed and played on repeat. Each of the nearly dozen tracks is a potential radio hit (singles "Shy Away" and "Choker" already proved that point by the time the record was released), all the more impressive considering pulled it off in the midst of 2020's turmoil. With their wild creativity and fearless desire to experiment, they tackle breezy disco funk on the -produced "Saturday"; go retro with piano-tinkling on the soulful "Mulberry Street"; and remind listeners that can still spit a solid bar or two on the strutting -esque "The Outside" and the genre-blurring standout "No Chances," which blends dramatic chanting, faint country twang, a thick trap beat, and swirling, pensive atmospherics. Through it all, maintains a smile and hope for the future, matching the often-exuberant production with messages of measured positivity. The peppy "Good Day" lifts spirits with triumphant horns and a motivational, lyrical push to enjoy the beauty surrounding us even when life is at its lowest. Elsewhere, that affirmative optimism gets a little more confrontational with "Never Take It," a catchy singalong anthem that stands up to societal division with handclaps and a beefy rock & roll guitar solo breakdown. Closer to home, the touching "Formidable" presents a sweet and honest ode to love similar to 's "Smithereens." Whether or not they decide to revive their ongoing album mythology, will remain a quick dose of perfection, a lean catalog gem that is bright, effervescent, and immensely addictive. ~ Neil Z. Yeung

More About Barnes and Noble at MarketFair Shoppes

Barnes & Noble does business -- big business -- by the book. As the #1 bookseller in the US, it operates about 720 Barnes & Noble superstores (selling books, music, movies, and gifts) throughout all 50 US states and Washington, DC. The stores are typically 10,000 to 60,000 sq. ft. and stock between 60,000 and 200,000 book titles. Many of its locations contain Starbucks cafes, as well as music departments that carry more than 30,000 titles.

Powered by Adeptmind