Album Of The Week: Operators’ Blue Wave

Mostly known for his work with Montreal indie rockers Wolf Parade, Dan Boeckner is both versatile and enigmatic. With the supergroup Divine Fits, Boeckner joined forces with Spoon frontman Britt Daniel and Sam Brown, who’s the drummer for the Columbus, Ohio, garage punk act New Bomb Turks, to do a project that was heart-on-the-sleeve rock with tinges of synth. This time around Boeckner dives right into the post-punk realm with Operators, teaming up with Brown and electro madman Devojka to make music that’s meant for the dance clubs of the world. There are a lot of dimensions to the band with sonic bass lines serving as the backbone for a lot of the band’s material. Operators’ long-awaited debut full-length Blue Wave serves as a prime exhibit of turning a vintage genre on its head.

The debut has infectious rhythms, and there’s no drum machine making it sound bland and cookie cutter. There’s even a killer saxophone sample throughout the album adding a bit of a jazz vibe. Operators have a wide-ranging repertoire that separates them from the countless other post-punk acts that have been popping up since the early 2000s. Nothing is redundant and each track will keep the listener engaged.

With so many electronic-based bands and musicians out there today, it’s rare when a band with similar sounds puts out something refreshing. That’s exactly what Operators have with Blue Wave — something different from other bands that have a synthesizer and pedals giving everything an echo. To indulge in more of the freshness, give a look and listen to my top tracks off of the Album Of The Week:

“Rome” starts the album off with dark tones coming from the bass and screaming guitar chords; when the chorus hits it will cause dancing sensations. “Cold Light” is a perfect example of how great Brown’s drumming is. Its persistent beats that never let up. It’s also a drum kit being played without a loop — there’s genuine musicianship here. The title track has that sax that brings things up a level; it’s definitely one that’ll make the ears jump for joy.

Operators will be coming through The Middle East in Cambridge on April 23 for what should be a wild time, if Boeckner’s band is as good live as their new album. While you’re at the show you should grab a copy of Blue Wave. There’s a certain allure and luster to the album that shouldn’t go ignored.

Stream “Blue Wave” on Youtube: youtube.com/watch?v=_u9GLyaWgXg; Operators’ Website:  http://operatorsmusic.com/