Don’t expect a radical difference from this album than previous Phoenix albums. The vocals and melodies are what you’d come to expect. And it maintains that warm analog sound they are so good at achieving. Overall it feels slightly more subdued and less syncopated than “It’s Never Been Like That”. But it still feels like a sequel. The song order feels oddly arranged on the album. “Love Like A Sunset” would have made a very interesting first or last song but it’s stuck unceremoniously in the middle. It begins with about 6 minutes of synthesizers and drums before slowly morphing into a short but sweet song with an achingly simple and beautiful acoustic ending consisting of two harmonizing guitar strings.

It takes a while to get into the album. It doesn’t roll out one catchy song after another like its predecessor. But it does have it’s moments, though, with sparks like “Girlfriend” and the highly danceable “Fences”. If you don’t like it instantly, give it time. You will be rewarded. Phoenix is one of those bands that is capable of making solid albums consistently and this one is no exception. If you like Phoenix; you’ll like this record.

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