Review: OK Go - "The Adjacent Possible"
Grammy Award Winners, OK Go's long-awaited return with The Adjacent Possible marks a striking evolution in their musical journey, as the band takes bold steps into new sonic territories - whilst still maintaining their signature creativity.
After over a decade, The Adjacent Possible – available from 11th April - is the band’s first studio album since Hungry Ghosts (2014). Known for their inventive music videos and genre-blending sound, OK Go has always been a band unafraid to experiment, and this latest release is no exception. With nearly 30 years of collaboration under their belt, this album not only reflects their growth but also hints at the exciting future of the band’s sound.
A Diverse Soundscape
One of the most impressive aspects of The Adjacent Possible is its remarkable diversity. Gone are the days of simply crafting catchy pop-rock anthems; the band delves deeper into a variety of genres, blending electronic elements, indie rock, and even orchestral arrangements into their compositions. It’s clear that the members—Damian Kulash, Tim Nordwind, Andy Ross, and Dan Konopka—have pushed their creative boundaries, both musically and lyrically. The diversity of sound is a testament to the band's willingness to evolve, drawing on influences from multiple genres while still staying true to their roots.
Themes of Evolution and Reflection
Lyrically, The Adjacent Possible reflects both the band's personal and creative evolution. The title itself is a nod to the concept in evolutionary biology, suggesting that new ideas emerge from the potential unlocked by previous ideas. This is evident throughout the album, as OK Go shows a clear sense of reflection—looking back on their past experiences but also embracing the unknown as they venture into new musical territories.
Many tracks convey a sense of forward momentum, even as they acknowledge the weight of time and growth. “This is How it Ends,” for instance, is a fitting anthem for a band that has always been adept at reinventing themselves and the creative experience of music.
Standout Tracks
OK Go’s lead single from the album “A Stone Only Rolls Downhill” was released in February and along with it came a stunning and wildly ambitious, official music video that was premiered on The Kelly Clarkson Show. The track and video have unsurprisingly received widespread critical acclaim from New York Times, Fast Company, and even Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted about the video. The track can stand on its own though with a beautiful blend of harmonies, a catchy hook, and writing abilities of a high standard that fans have come to expect from the band.
If there’s one track that encapsulates the spirit of The Adjacent Possible, it’s “Fantasy vs Fantasy.” The song balances infectious melodies with poignant lyrics about connection and love. It’s one of the album’s tracks that showcases a more mature and introspective side of OK Go. This track has a very Elvis Costello feel to it with a modern twist that really struck me in a way I wasn’t expecting.
Another standout is “A Good, Good Day at Last” (featuring Ben Harper & Shalyah Fearing) with lush instrumental textures and is an uplifting feel good anthem. This song for me is one that is a solid all-rounder, no matter the type of mood I’m in, this song will elevate it and get a different energy going.
Looking Ahead
In many ways, The Adjacent Possible feels like a new chapter for OK Go. It’s not just about celebrating their legacy, but also about looking ahead and embracing the infinite creative possibilities that lie in the future. The album balances nostalgia with innovation, offering both longtime fans and new listeners something exciting to latch onto.
As a band that has always been synonymous with creative risk-taking—not only in their music but also in their groundbreaking music videos—OK Go continues to prove that they are unafraid to challenge themselves and their audience. The Adjacent Possible is more than just a return; it’s a declaration of intent, a statement that the band is far from done exploring the adjacent possible.
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Written by Rochelle Hanslow
Rochelle Hanslow is a Scottish, neurodivergent, and chronically-ill writer, poet, and author. She talks to trees and dogs more than humans. Rochelle has written for magazines online and in print the likes of Happiful, Edition Dog, Mashable, Edition Dog Professional, and Conscious Being.
She is currently writing her first non-fiction book and seeking publication of her poetry pamphlets.
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