Album Review: Empire Of The Sun – Ice On The Dune

It has been almost five years since Empire Of The Sun appeared on the scene with their manga inspired costumes and glossy, cinematic Pop songs. The eagerly awaited second album is now ready to be unveiled and we’ve managed to have a cheeky listen.

Instantly it becomes apparent that the production found on ‘Ice On The Dune’ is impeccable. Every single audible note has been made to sound like a movie or videogame soundtrack. The intro song ‘Lux’ feels like we are gearing up for the next installment of the Zelda saga, and if you listen closely enough you might even hear the faint sound of a cat meowing..?

The band’s approach to song writing doesn’t appear to have changed much since their debut. They’ve still got that thumping, radio-friendly vibe about them that everyone loved in the first place.

‘Alive’ is bound to be a festival favourite for many listeners on this year’s circuit, and with an abundance of sing-a-long moments throughout, it promises to be the perfect soundtrack to summer. It’s similar to ‘Kids’ by MGMT.

At times you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to the 80s as there’s a clear influence from the likes of Alphaville and Human League on numbers such as the title-track ‘Ice On The Dune’ and ‘Ill Be Around’. But overall you’ll quite simply enjoy yourself listening to this record.

Empire Of The Sun have produce another guilty pleasure of an LP that is likely to receive a whole heap of radio airplay and festival slots. It’s harmless fun that will stand out from the other Pop bands. We say play on!

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