The Aussie duo has done it again, delivering 12 transcendent tracks.
As soon as the voice of Emperor Steele (aka Luke Steele of The Sleepy Jackson) – affected, sure, but never soulless – wafts into our earholes at the top of track one, Changes, we melt into a puddle of nostalgic bliss, which triggers a sizzle reel of life highlights soundtracked by Walking On A Dream’s euphoric chorus melody. You see, Empire Of The Sun’s music encapsulates riding a magical unicorn as it jumps over rainbows.
“I don’t like the music on the radio/ They don’t play my song/ I don’t like the music on the radio/ But I sing along…” – a casually oscillating beat underscores the cheeky realtalk of Music On The Radio.
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With its metallic beat, fluttering keys and kiddie-choir BVs – which bring D.A.N.C.E by Justice to mind – The Feeling You Get is a deadset banger. Steele’s vocals during these verses – all broody and croonerish – provide the perfect foil for the hands-in-the-air euphoria of this standout track’s choruses.
On their latest single Cherry Blossom, Empire Of The Sun’s God complex peaks – “We reach out to everyone/ Everything, everywhere/ All at once, all the time…”
Elsewhere, AEIOU_PM (feat. another of Lord Littlemore’s outfits, Pnau) is Euro disco-inspired brilliance and Rhapsodize features a wookiee voice plus birdsong. Friends, this record’s final track, incorporates sweeping, weeping strings before a mystical, childlike voice whispers, “Good night, my friend/ Sweet dreams”.
Best paired with Nag Champa incense, Ask That God cements Empire Of The Sun’s reputation as journey agents/trip sitters of choice.
Sidenote: Empyreans is a clear contender for Best Fanbase Name.
LABEL: EMI
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
