Coda.fm

Does You Inspire You

by Chairlift

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Chairlift's ascent owes itself to an Apple commercial: "Bruises," an 80s-reminiscent pop stunner that might have helped hawk more Nanos than Feist’s "1234," wraps itself around the brain with the kind of might that could turn any body part black and blue. But the grip's not quite as deathly on the rest of Does You Inspire You, the Brooklyn band's debut; thought-provoking is a better descriptor. "Planet Health," a sprawling, sly peep at formal health education, pokes fun at a multitude of national preoccupations including body image and diversity training before wending its way to a mini-chorus of "Stop, drop and roll" (don’t forget fire prevention!), and "Evident Utensil"--a song about pencils--does the thinking person's indie music fan the favor of abstractly linking writing implements to difficult personal relationships (fodder, for sure, for deep thought). Vocally, Caroline Polachek owes Kate Bush a formal letter of thanks for leading the way, but the similarities end there. Chairlift is an idiosyncratic band with its own synthy yet nostalgic style, and its members have a lot to say. Does You Inspire You is maybe the grammatically incorrect question the trio directed at itself before heading into the studio; the thoroughly cool record that resulted proves the answer was a riotous yes. --Tammy La Gorce