The newest Little Dragon release, Machine Dreams, truly shows where pop music could and should go. The band from Gothenberg has been revolutionizing the pop scene since their first self titled album. At first listen, Little Dragon seems like so much more than a pop band. With absolutely amazing and soulful vocals from lead singer Yukimi Nagano and sometimes trippy synth sounds you can sometimes forget you are listening to Pop.

Their ability to blend catchy and interesting were displayed on their first album and they continue to do this with Machine Dreams, an album that harvests the electrifying energy of their live performance. The recording doesnt sound like a studio recording whatsoever. It has a raw and slightly distorted live sound. This album is at its essence a dance album, however stays in the realm of listening music. It is an album that is meant to be played loud and danced to and at the same time to sit and listened to. Songs like Looking Glass and My Step are refreshingly dancey while still remaining quality music and lead into ballad songs like A New or Blinking Pigs (in my opinion the highlight track of the album).

Overall, Machine Dreams is a balanced record. The style remains constant even with varied tempos, themes, and instruments. Machine Dreams is an album that displays the bands uncanny ability to not only push the limits of their genre, but to create one all its own.

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