At heart, we all may be Schizophrenics. While not willing to claim it clinically, we may at least in part, think that claiming schizophrenia would explain as to why we turn into completely different people when we go to class, go home, and of course, to parties. We are often different people depending on our surroundings. And perhaps somewhere in between the class-room-friendly version and the party-friendly version, our true self resides (apologies to the Buddhist readers).

Whichever personal explanation you maintain for your own personality fluctuations, a great deal of guidance can be found in of Montreal’s newest album, Skeletal Laming (released October 21, 2008, Polyvinyl). The album features of Montreal frontman Kevin Barnes channeling various characters. As indicated by many, many interviews, these characters reflect parts of Barnes’ personality; and the process through which he fills his albums with these avant-garde characters give him a more complete means of expression and in part liberation from whatever frustration he might have.

Abstract narrative albums featuring original and interesting characters are no new thing for of Montreal. In fact, I cannot recall any album of theirs from the past that does not have at least one fresh character. Most of the characters that fills the of Montreal anthology of albums are embody personality traits we all have – taken to the extreme. In this regard, we can all find something to relate to in the albums of of Montreal.

While I insist that all albums of of Montreal stand as a testament to their capacity to reinvent themselves; Skeletal Lamping amongst their collection serves as a new exciting twist on one of our quirkiest traits, taken to the extreme – our more bizarre sexual tendencies. Certainly it is an injustice to claim that gender bending sex talk has not been features of previous of Montreal albums. However, Barnes accomplished the intent of the message so well, that fans are left shouting for Georgie Fruit before and after he takes the stage.

Within Skeletal Lamping, Kevin Barnes assumes the role of Georgie Fruit – a character first introduced in Hissing Fauna Are You The Destroyer? Georgie Fruit is a self described black ex-convict that loves sex in all of its forms. While the presence of this character waxes and wanes throughout the album, what is certain is that complex matters and sex taboos are propelled front and center. Allusions to the bedroom or rather the street are thrown all over the place.

Lyrics include:

“We can do it softcore if you want, but you should know I take it both ways.” — For Our Elegant Caste

“Lover face, I view you as the revolver introduced in my play, act one / Lover face, wanna make you ejaculate till it’s no longer fun / I confess to really being quite charmed by your feminine effects, you’re the only one with whom I would role play Oedipus Rex / I want you to be my pleasure puss i wanna know what it’s like to be inside you.” — Plastis Wafers

“She took me home and spit in my drink, she spoke of Germaine Greer and Friedan I didn’t know what to think.” — Women’s Studies Victims

Humorous and outrageous sexual images are set beside lyrics that allude to prominent feminist voices from the past. Skeletal Lamping attempts to promote increased tolerance of sexuality.

Another element to take into account however is the gusto with which Kevin Barnes wears makeup as scandalous attire. His style at concert might best be described as ambiguously sexual, yielding nor ascribing to no preconceived notions or standards of desire. This is unique among most contemporary artists, and beckons back to the time and the likes of Prince and David Bowie.

The role of gender bending is perhaps best put by Kevin Barnes himself in the current issue of Death & Taxes. Barnes, the feature interview of the issue, suggests that he chose to do all of the gender bending purely in reaction to the conservative home he was raised in. Having been repressed by his Catholic conservative upbringings, he breaks out sexually ambiguous and radical characters as extremes as a confident upheaval or rather, a renunciation of darker days.

In the same regard, listening to Skeletal Lamping can yield the same results to the listener. Following a strenuous day of classes where one might feel completely incapable of being original or simply free, listening to the of Montreal gives one the capacity to at least anticipate the weekend, or better days. Similarly, when we are trapped in our conservative towns and homes in __________, Kentucky; of Montreal allows us to escape, or in extreme cases, to mutiny.

Put simply give Skeletal Lamping a try.