Destroyer

Trouble in Dreams (Merge)

The cover of Trouble in Dreams, a painting of a veiled, sneering, drunk woman, telegraphs upfront that Dan Bejar’s ninth album as Destroyer hasn’t strayed in lyrical content. His twin obsessions, art and the opposite sex, continue to intrigue and allude him, as he nasally addresses on “Plaza Trinidad”: “What devilry the source of this screaming? You and your dress: fair game.” Trouble follows the critically lauded 2006 masterstroke, Destroyer’s Rubies, and Bejar’s band, returning from those sessions, makes it feel like a solid rock album. He’s comfortable being frontman, too: the Band-ish sway of “The State” and vertiginous shimmer of “My Favorite Year” reflect a new confidence. Midalbum misstep “Shooting Rockets (From the Desk of Night’s Ape)” sounds more like a Pernod-fueled journal entry than a song, but gorgeous closer “Libby’s First Sunrise” continues the dream cycle. (Friday, March 14, Parish, 1am.)

***

This article appears in March 14 • 2008.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US