Empire Of The Sun is the new electronic project from Australian musicians Nick Littlemore (Pnau) and Luke Steele (The Sleepy Jackson). The duo's debut album, Walking On a Dream, comes out April 21st.
The album is a collection of ten tracks, which take modern production and recording techniques and apply them to synth-based pop songs. The result is a strangely fresh take on a tired old genre, label it Space-Aged Retro Rock if you will.
For the most part, the songs are vibrant and full. Each one is bursting at the seams with sound. The highly stylized music and art give the entire package a Sci-Fi fantasy aura.
There are a few tricks as well. The instrumental track "Country" uses just that, a nuanced country inspiration, to build an intriguing and engaging electronic tune. Hearkening back to the '80s techno pop influence the closing ballad, "Without You", evokes fond memories of Tears For Fears.
While the sound and feel of the album is refreshing, I sense there is a danger that the novelty of it may wear off over time. The incredibly dull "The World" could be an omen for this.
The uncertain staying power of the music aside, Empire Of The Sun's bubbling cauldron of elements should be appealing for anyone who has ever wanted Scissor Sisters, Of Montreal, and Flock of Seagulls in one convenient, easy to drink elixir.
Best tracks: "A Dream", "Delta Bay"
Track listing for Walking On a Dream:
- Standing On the Shore
- A Dream
- Half Mast
- We Are the People
- Delta Bay
- Country
- The World
- Swordfish Hot Kiss Nite
- Tiger By My Side
- Without You
7.0/10
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