Cage The Elephant - Melophobia [180g Black Vinyl LP]

Cage The Elephant pushed Melophobia beyond the loose garage-rock volatility of the first two records, tightening the songwriting while opening the album to stranger textures and sharper contrasts. Released in 2013 as the band's third studio album, it still hits with force, but the writing is more controlled in how it builds tension and release from song to song. This 180g black vinyl record edition keeps the presentation simple and includes a printed inner sleeve.

"Spiderhead" opens with a taut, nervous drive, while "Come A Little Closer" locks into one of the band's most recognizable hooks without losing its darker pull. "Telescope" slows the pace into a more inward stretch, and "It's Just Forever" adds extra abrasion with Alison Mosshart's guest appearance. On the back half, "Halo," "Black Widow," "Hypocrite," and "Teeth" keep the LP moving through compact, punchy writing rather than a simple repeat of the early garage-rock formula.

Jay Joyce's production helps keep the album connected to Cage The Elephant's earlier work, but Melophobia broadens the band's range without sanding off its edge. The record moves easily between anxious momentum, rougher attack, and more melodic passages, which is a big part of why it remains one of the strongest entries in their catalog. On vinyl, that mix of sharper songwriting and familiar tension makes the full LP stronger than a singles-only view of the album.

• Format: Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "Spiderhead," "Come A Little Closer," "Telescope," "It's Just Forever"
• Pressing details: 180g black vinyl, printed inner sleeve
• Genre/style: Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Garage Rock, Psychedelic Rock
• UPC: 888837627719

"Come A Little Closer" is the obvious anchor, but "Spiderhead," "Telescope," and "Black Widow" are a big part of what gives this LP lasting value in a Cage The Elephant section. For shoppers who know the singles but have not spent time with the full record, Melophobia is one of the clearest examples of the band becoming more focused without turning predictable.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Spiderhead
2. Come A Little Closer
3. Telescope
4. It's Just Forever
5. Take It Or Leave It

Side B:

1. Halo
2. Black Widow
3. Hypocrite
4. Teeth
5. Cigarette Daydreams