Exhibiting an ambition that has become typical of his work, Jonathan Coulton delivers not only a new concept album, but one that is paired with a new graphic novel of the same name written by Matt Fraction and drawn by Albert Monteys. On his first proper LP since 2011's Artificial Heart, Coulton's tale is based in a sci-fi future city beset by a God-like artificial intelligence and follows the story of two men whose stories become linked. While his futuristic fable is deftly conceived and executed, it's Coulton's acumen as a pop tunesmith that really shines here. Between lushly harmonic narratives like "Wake Up" and "All to Myself, Pt. 1," he delivers a variety of neatly crafted pop hybrids from the electro sparkle of lead single "All This Time" to the languid, pedal steel-adorned internet ballad "Pictures of Cats." From a production angle, Solid State's blend of crisp electronics and warm organic instrumentation serves as both the story and the songs, as Coulton turns in a vibrant, clever, and appealingly melodic collection full of heart and humor.
© Timothy Monger /TiVo