Minotaur (The Clientele album)

Minotaur is the fifth studio album by the British indie pop band The Clientele, released in 2010 on Merge Records. The album marks a departure from the band's earlier, more layered and atmospheric sound, embracing a more stripped-down, direct approach to production and songwriting.

The album's title, Minotaur, is a reference to the mythological creature of the same name, and its themes explore concepts of isolation, disorientation, and the search for meaning within confined spaces, both literal and metaphorical. The lyrics often depict nocturnal scenes, urban landscapes, and the complexities of human relationships.

Musically, Minotaur retains elements of The Clientele's signature sound – hushed vocals, intricate guitar work, and melancholic melodies – but with a greater emphasis on rhythm and a more immediate, less dreamlike atmosphere. The album incorporates influences from krautrock and art pop, resulting in a sound that is both familiar and a departure for the band.

The album received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its songwriting, arrangements, and its exploration of darker and more introspective themes. It is considered by some to be one of the band's most cohesive and thematically resonant works. Key tracks include "I Wonder Who We Are," "Jerry," and the title track, "Minotaur."