The Olivia Tremor Control: "The Game You Play is in Your Head, Parts 1, 2, & 3"

One might think that the recent reunion of ’90s experimental collective the Olivia Tremor Control is just a part the same nostalgia-driven trend that’s inspired bands like Pavement and Guided by Voices to hit the road. But I’m more inclined to see it as coincidence, since the Olivia Tremor Control have never been interested in following the crowd. With only two official albums and a collection of B-sides to their name, the band, led by frontmen Will Cullen Hart and Bill Doss, made a strong enough impression a decade ago that their return feels less like a nostalgic revisiting of something that once was and more like a continuation of a still-vibrant career. Their first single in twelve years, “The Game You Play is in Your Head, Parts 1, 2, & 3” reestablishes Olivia Tremor Control as adventurous purveyors of music both challenging and charming, retro and futuristic.

“The Game You Play is in Your Head, Parts 1, 2, & 3” is not nearly as daunting as its cumbersome title makes it sound. Though comprised of different parts over seven and a half minutes, it’s a pretty smooth ride all the way through, a cohesive whole despite the occasional detour into shambling psych-rock. Part 1 begins with a bouncy, slightly menacing synth riff and haunting harmonies on lines like “All you ever really need is a change in your life / When you’re lonely or frustrated.” It’s a sparse start, but collapses satisfyingly into part 2, which deepens the sound by adding more layered harmonies and siren-like stabs of guitar. After indulging in some chirping and spirals of generally engaging noise, “The Game You Play is in Your Head” opens up sweetly into part 3, an Apples in Stereo-esque ’60s tune that incorporates that wailing fuzzy guitar into an almost cheerful melody, and an even sunnier sentiment: “The world is full of very real people / And they’re trying to make their way.”

The Olivia Tremor Control are not reinventing themselves here, but they seem to be testing the waters, gingerly making their way out but not quite swimming with abandon. For fans, it’s just a joy to hear such an original band making music again—their own way, with little fanfare.