Kendra Samuel
Journal Staff

The release of ‘All Delighted People’ (2010, Asthmatic Kitty)last month was a big event the realm of Sufjan Stevens, as his last release featured orchestra only, and before that his last official release was in 2006. The EP features his classic style, relaxed tones, and light melodious voice flowing gently through the song. However, when it comes to The Age of Adz (2010, Asthmatic Kitty), loyal Sufjan Stevens listeners must push out any thoughts that Stevens has moved on from electronica to do full orchestration. Catchy synthesized back up beats, which he had used on his first few albums, return as his new LP hit shelves yesterday.

Though the sound is entirely different to those familiar with his more recent albums, beneath the studio makeup is the deep, thoughtful lyrics that the laid back Indie singer is known for. Weaving in between the clever computerized riffs and attracting tones, Sufjan knows how to experiment with technology, new and old, and make it sound right.

The 11-song set kicks off with ‘Futile Devices’ leaving room for avid listeners to adjust to the sound, but it’s clear that his direction is a good one true to his style. Stevens artfully uses a swift and gentle introduction, more attuned to his recent style. However, the moment the next track ‘Too Much’ begins to claw at the speakers, the transformation begins right before the listeners’ ears. The title track ‘Age of ADZ’ blares through next, flaunting all the bells and whistles fine tuned to Stevens’ airy delivery of the lyrics with brief breaks for soft additions of milder instruments. This track sets the tone of the entire album, building up the excitement for the rest of the album to hold strong.

Sufjan hardly disappoints. Following the happy, moderately upbeat tones of ‘I Walked’, listeners wade within the remnants of his old style in the haunting ‘Now That I’m Older’ and the gentle warmth of ‘All for Myself.’

However there are a few tracks that failed to meet the mark, mainly the awkwardly choppy ‘Get Real, Get Right’ that burrowed Stevens’ voice so far beneath the digital layering that it was hard to fully enjoy the track without straining to bear through. The same can be said for ‘Bad Communication.’ It’s unfortunate that these had to make their debut along such other amazing tracks, but loyal fans will most likely learn to endure it.

Sufjan makes a comeback towards the end, with the slow track of ‘Vesuvius’ and the two closing, extremely long but equally intense pieces, ‘I Want to be Well’ and ‘Impossible Soul’, ending the ride into “The Age of Adz” on a high note.