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Season High
Season High saw Little Dragon deliver an album of easy eclecticism within the confines of a largely 80s-influenced synth-pop sound. Characterised by sophisticated, technical precision and full of 80s synth references, there’s perhaps a little less experimentation here than in previous outings and the overall sound is a little more cohesive as a result. “Celebrates”’ digital synth-laden choruses and verses for example recalls Janet Jackson’s mid-80s dancefloor tracks while “High” sounds as though it were cut from the same musical cloth as one of her Jam and Lewis slow jams. Prince’s digital funk influence can be heard here too (the title of their racing “The Pop Life” a nod to Prince’s “Pop Life” perhaps?) in the Minneapolis funk of tracks like “Strobe Light.” Handling their chosen sonic palette with the usual poise and attention to detail, “Season High” delivers audio sugar rushes and electronic musical emotion with consummate ease.