Listening to Mike Hadreas sing feels like an intrusion – as if stumbling into a confessional not meant for others to hear. The one-man band behind Perfume Genius, Hadreas quietly bares the details of his life with unyielding bluntness, working through issues internally while a recorder tapes what goes on in his mind. It’s brutal and fascinating.
On his latest effort Put Your Back N 2 It, Hadreas has created a haunting and pertinent album which despite all its good traits is a bit undone. His minimalistic approach – the tender plinking piano keys, simmering strings and reticent drum beats – belie his complex lyrics, and the songs come across as three-minute sketches instead of finished work. Fine sketches, for sure, but the potential of a masterpiece remains silently in the background.
Hadreas opens the album with a deep, cleansing breath before moving into “AWOL Marine,” a song which shares overtones of Julee Cruise and Leonard Bernstein. The gentle piano gives way to Hadreas’ ethereal voice, which sounds as dreamy as it is menacing. “AWOL Marine,” he sings, “turn toward the camera, slowly.” Not sure what is going on here, but it doesn’t sound innocent.
“Normal Song” follows, paced by a simple guitar waltz, Hadreas snaps out words like he’s sending knifes through the air. These sharp daggers are present in the stirring “17,” a song Hadreas has called a gay suicide letter. A repetitive piano plays over a series of elegiac strings and crying chords. “I am done I am done with it,” he says, and it almost breaks your heart.
It’s not all gentle whimsy. “Dark Parts” surges with rising arrangements and is one of the few songs that doesn’t depend on Hadreas’ voice to give it emotional weight, while “Hood” is about as rocking as Hadreas gets. The video for “Hood” may be the reason people know of Perfume Genius, as YouTube rejected it for “promoting mature sexual themes” (it shows Hadreas having his hair combed by adult porn star Arpad Miklos). YouTube’s move drew the ire of one Michael Stipe, who is taking up more causes now that he has some extra time on his hands.
Put Your Back N 2 It delivers snippets of greatness, but too often the tracks end before they fully develop. Whether Hadreas has little patience or he’s just finding his way, I for one want to hear more of what he has to offer. This album is a proper primer of promise, here’s hoping he decides to linger longer in future endeavors.
