Failed States (album)

Failed States was recorded in 2011 and 2012, following Pallett's work on film scores and his collaboration with the band Arcade Fire. The album was produced by Pallett himself, with additional production by Mark Lawson. It was recorded in Toronto and Montreal, and features contributions from musicians such as violinist Sarah Neufeld and drummer Jeremy Gara, both of Arcade Fire. The recording process saw Pallett experimenting with synthesizers and drum machines, moving away from the string-heavy arrangements of his earlier work.

The album's sound is characterized by a blend of electronic beats, synthesizers, and Pallett's distinctive violin and falsetto vocals. Lyrically, Failed States explores themes of political disillusionment, personal anxiety, and the failures of modern society. The title itself is a reference to the political science concept of a failed state, a nation that has lost control of its territory and fails to provide basic services. Pallett has said the album was inspired by his reading of political theory and his observations of contemporary culture.

Failed States received generally positive reviews from music critics. On Metacritic, it holds a score of 77 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Critics praised Pallett's ambitious songwriting and the album's cohesive mood, though some noted the shift in style might alienate fans of his earlier orchestral work. The album was included in several year-end lists, including those by Pitchfork and The A.V. Club. It also charted in the United States on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, peaking at number 12.

One notable detail is that the album's cover art features a photograph of the 2011 Vancouver Stanley Cup riot, taken by photographer Richard Lam. The image was used without permission, and Pallett later apologized, stating he intended to critique the chaos of modern society. The album also includes a hidden track, "The Great Elsewhere", which appears after a period of silence at the end of the final track. Additionally, Pallett performed the album live with a full band, a departure from his usual solo performances, and the tour included a cover of the song "Love Is a Battlefield" by Pat Benatar.

Failed state

A political term for a state that has lost control of its territory, fails to provide public services, or has collapsed.

Indie rock

A genre of rock music that originated in the 1980s, often associated with independent record labels and a DIY ethic.

Domino Recording Company

A British independent record label founded in 1993, known for releasing music by artists such as Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand.