America 2024 is a land roiled by division and an air of impending doom. The Armoires’ new record Octoberland simultaneously reflects and pushes against that state of being with wit, wisdom and a playful mix of musical hues. Only a deep dive into its contents can tell you why.

Album opener “We Absolutely Mean It” embodies America’s contradictory trends, holding its tension like a clenched fist. But four-fifths of the way through they declare ‘this is where we go big’ and the song suddenly takes on a brighter, more positive tone. The message here seems to be – dark and light, rage and love: it’s all America – so things could go either way, depending on who does what. Not surprisingly then social commentary abounds on this album. Tracks like “Green Hellfire At The 7-11,” “Ridley & Me After the Apocalypse,” and “You Oughta Be Cut in Half” are pointed in their critique. But never at the expense of great tune. “Ridley & Me After the Apocalypse” has the clever lyrical polish and sunny disposition of The Lilac Time. Lines like ‘end times are so boring’ and ‘fighting for the future of the artistocracy’ are gold. Or check out the sing-along goodness and jangle accompanying the stinging lyrics on “You Oughta Be Cut in Half.” The ‘oh my my my’ chorus is simply irresistible, reminiscent of the sophisticated curio pop of Overlord. Despite these serious themes, a chipper sense of fun dominates this LP. I love “This One’s For the Swedes” with its marriage of spacey synth runs and percussive group vocal interjections. Early 1980s sci-fi movie montage sequence for sure. Stylistically there’s plenty of variety too, with nods toward country (“Ouroboros Blues (Crow Whisperer),” folk rock (“Snake Island Thirteen”) and even Irish drinking songs (“It’s A Good Time To Come Back Down From The Cold”). “Sickening Thud” gets my vote for should-be hit-single with its delightful jangle guitar, though “Music and Animals” is pretty close second with its Everything But The Girl pop smoothness.

Octoberland is a record with something to say, reflecting the dread of our times but also kicking at it to let a little light get in. Get yours from the source – Big Stir Records – or your favourite e-retailer.