picture show
Neon Trees “Picture Show”

It’s been almost two years since Provo, UT natives Neon Trees released their debut album “Habits” [which made my Top Albums of 2010 list]. It was 8 songs and highly rated, even if the song “Animal” was overplayed for a time.

Fast forward to last week when “Picture Show” was released with 11 songs [14 if you got the deluxe album version].

Track List

  1. Moving in the Dark
  2. Teenage Sounds
  3. Everybody Talks
  4. Mad Love
  5. Weekend
  6. Lessons in Love (All Day, All Night)(feat. Kaskad)
  7. Trust
  8. Close to You
  9. Hooray for Hollywood
  10. Still Young
  11. I Am the D.J.
  12. Show
  13. Tell Me You Love Me
  14. Take Me for a Ride

The 80’s throw back sound from the first album is still here, but toned down in many ways, but enough of it to bleed through on songs like “Lessons In Love” which has a New Order-like bass. “Hurray For Hollywood” brings some guitar edge, mixed with a nice dose of synth. The lead single “Everybody Talks” is still very strong, but hoping it won’t get overplayed too often. “Trust” is a good track that brings the bands full potential of sound front and center.

Tyler Glenn‘s vocals are very prominent and it’s the main item that identifies this band’s sound on the radio. The music has enough retro left in for good measure, but the noticeably better production quality of this sophomore album shows through in where the band has come since their worldwide popularity level has increased over the years.

The one odd thing I noticed was on two songs: “Trust” and “I Am The D.J.” where the last minute or so is a longer running and drawn out ending to the song. Almost seems like filler to extend the album, which in my opinion, is not needed.

I give the album 3 stars out of 4 and hope it sticks around on my playlist for the next little while.