Kevin Barnes is normally like clockwork releasing an Of Montreal album full of energetic Indie-Pop every year, but for the first time in a long time 2006 was a year without a Barnes produced work. What happened to the prolific singer-songwriter? The birth of a daughter and then a separation from his wife brought Barnes to his knees. Subsequent depression and anger ensued and what Barnes has finally delivered is Hissing Fauna, the bleakest yet most brilliant album yet from Of Montreal.

Barnes isn't usually one to turn the mirror on himself and sing of his own misfortunes (his albums are mostly chalk full of yarns about fictional characters) but by doing so he's crafted what will surely remain high on the list of the best albums of 2007. Hissing Fauna is still incredibly upbeat musically like Of Montreal's past records, but the lyrics are so dark and morose that they literally seethe resentment. Take for instance the brilliant "Cato As A Pun" where Barnes wonders "What has happened to you and I, and don't say that I have changed, cause man of course I have." Never before, however, has Barnes plumbed such black depths as he does on the near 12-minute "The Past Is A Grotesque Animal." When Barnes in his pleading yowl shudders "How can I explain I need you here and not here too" your heart just aches for him. Even at 12 minutes the song is perfection and I can't imagine I'll hear a better one by December. I've always liked Of Montreal but this is their first album that I truly love and can't seem to get enough of.