Australian production duo The Avalanches’ fourth album, No Bad Memories, lives up to its name. The colorful collection of 31 danceable tracks make it easy to forget about the world for a little while.
Known for building songs from layers of samples, the two-piece continue to turn unexpected sounds into infectious beats. No Bad Memories alternates between disco, hip-hop, house and soul, giving nearly every track its own personality. The album fails to reach the heights of the group’s earlier work, but it rarely stays in one place long enough to become boring.
The fifth track, “Every Single Weekend,” featuring Jamie xx, comes to the forefront as one of the album’s most immediately appealing tracks. The bouncy, electronic beat and sample of a children’s chorus cultivate an upbeat and nostalgic atmosphere perfect for a crowded dance floor. The song captures The Avalanches at their best, combining seemingly disparate sounds into something that feels effortless and fun.
The ninth track, “Like Clockwork/Hit By Traffic” takes an unexpected route, blending Jersey club rhythms with crow calls. Somehow, the pairing works. The track’s chaotic energy reflects the group’s willingness to experiment, even when the results feel more amusing than groundbreaking.
The extensive track list makes room for moments more suited for dancing alone in a bedroom. “All The Time In The World,” featuring Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo, leans into a hazy, psychedelic sound that offers a soft contrast to the album’s more energetic cuts. The dreamy atmosphere gives the record breathing room amidst the constant shifts in tempo and style.
For a different kind of fun, “Under Yr Power” and “Magic Wand,” featuring Barry Can’t Swim, turn vintage soul samples into brief bursts of funk. Both tracks are short enough to leave listeners wanting more, but their infectious rhythms make them easy to return to.
No Bad Memories includes short interludes built around distorted commercial jingles and snippets of media. While these transitions reinforce the album’s fascination with consumer culture and nostalgia, they occasionally interrupt the flow rather than enhance it. The record’s constant changes can make it feel scattered, especially towards the end.
Despite this, The Avalanches understand what makes their music appealing. Their dense production rewards attentive listening, but the album never demands that listeners decipher every sample to enjoy themselves. A beat catches the ear, a melody sticks around and another unexpected sound arrives before the last one wears out its welcome.
No Bad Memories is not a groundbreaking release, but it doesn’t need to be. Its occasional missteps keep it from feeling essential, but its variety gives listeners plenty to enjoy. Whether it provides the soundtrack to a night out or a solo dance session at home, the album accomplishes what it sets out to do: make having fun feel easy.
3 ½ good vibes out of 5
