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Rock Band Of Montreal's Latest Album Was Influenced by Disclosure and Flume

Frontman Kevin Barnes cites Disclosure, Flume and Holly Herndon as influences.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Of Montreal is better known for their 60s and 70s glam rock and psych pop influences. However, for their latest album, Innocence Reaches, the group (led by frontman Kevin Barnes) took a different approach to their music by incorporating elements of electronic music and EDM. In an exclusive interview with Billboard, Barnes explained why Innocence Reaches is an album rooted in the present.

"It feels special because it's more connected to the climate of the times, more connected to what my contemporaries are doing," Barnes said. "I feel more engaged. I feel way more turned on to the energy of the moment."

Barnes cites Disclosure, Flume and Holly Herndon among his influences.

"There are a lot of great electronic composers right now that are using today's technology in ways that are exciting," he said. "That's what turned me on the most: the idea of making an album that you couldn't have made 20 years ago."

Barnes also praised the rise of "remix and mixtape culture" in mainstream songwriting. "This collage aspect is present. Making computer music is so different from an analog tape machine. You look at the landscape of all the sounds. It's very visual," he offered. "What you can do compositionally is unlimited.'

Innocence Reaches is out now.