Yo La Tengo is a band of old pros. We have faith that they’ll forever release solid records because they’ve done so for more than 20 years. Fade kicks it up a notch, though, by sounding like the group at its most condensed: soft-spoken, jangly and droning. The album’s narrowed focus is refreshing, and while there is still variance between each song, the band avoids indulging in any disco-funk or 18-minute loop outliers. With its gentle pulse and sing-along vibes, the opener and standout track “Ohm” sets the tone for Fade, and everything that follows culminates into one of YLT’s best records and a warm welcome to the new year.
This article appears in Jan 17-23, 2013.