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MGMT have revealed they don't expect their new, self-titled album to surprise fans as much as they did when they released their 2010 album, Congratulations.
The band's 'withdrawn' second album came as a shock to those who fell for the psychedelic pop sounds of their debut, Oracular Spectacular - but frontman Andrew VanWyngarden tells Gigwise that after their sophomore curveball, fans should expect the unexpected when it comes to their new music.
"We've gone a long way to establish ourselves as a band that people can't really nail down in one style or genre, or predict exactly what's going to happen next," says the 30-year-old star. "That's one of our biggest goals are artists to get to the point where what we're known for is being a band who is able to try something new and test out different things, and that would be really great and really fulfilling.
"I don't think it's going to be that much of a shock and in a way, this new album is easier to get into than the last one. I think the last one was a bit withdrawn and closed off, and this one doesn't feel like that to me. This one feels more spacious and kind of welcoming - but in a scary way."
Listen to MGMT's 'Alien Days', taken from the new album, below
He also readily admits he understands that some fans may be waiting for the duo to revisit the days of their radio-friendly indie anthems such as 'Time To Pretend' and 'Kids', but claims that only liking a band's big hits is 'normal' for many fans.
"Ben and I both will be grateful and happy to have any sort of fan who appreciates our songs, and there's plenty of bands that I like where I only like one or two of their songs, I think that's pretty normal," he adds. "It's healthy to have fans who like one side of things and some who are into the idea of us being a chameleon-experimental group. I am excited to see how people react."
Below: MGMT, live in Glasgow
