Fog

Fog has always been a project on the move. Never has its principal and, until recently, only member (Andrew Broder) stuck with one sound or style for long. However, to say Fog’s new album, Dither, is a departure would be an understatement. Little, if anything, connects this record to Broder’s past work and his reliance on electronic-based sounds, hip-hop, turntablism, electro-pop and ambient structures. Instead, he’s converted Fog into a full-on rock’n’roll outfit, one driven by good, old-fashioned distortion, feedback and some pretty wicked drums. And this change couldn’t sound better. With Broder picking up guitar full time and the addition of two full-fledged members, Mark Erickson (bass) and Tim Glenn (drums), Fog embrace a more traditional setup that’s tight and focused. And while this configuration may seem too conventional, rest assured the songs are still well left of centre, combining Sonic Youth-type guitar patterns and avant-pop with blue-collar blues straight from the Springsteen songbook. With guests like Phil Elverum, Andrew Bird, Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker along for the ride, becomes a complex piece of pop wrapped in twists, turns and above all, enjoyment. By wiping the slate as clean as Broder has, he and his Fog have taken a substantial risk. Thankfully, it has paid off big time.