Album Review: Empire Of The Sun - Two Vines

Empire Of The Sun haven't strayed far from their comfort zone on their third album, and why would they? By their own admission they make music that stands outside of time, and the shimmering dream-pop that is again on display here sounds like it could have been made at any time in the last two decades.

It's been a winning formula for the duo of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore since debut album Walking On A Dream and its title track became a sensation in 2008. Two Vines is the same dream, and they are still walking on it.

Inspired by a vision of Littlemore's - of a city reclaimed by nature - Two Vines is replete with bright, primary colours and visions of transcending the human form: Steele hums along with the universe on the dancefloor-ready title track, and finds himself simply flying on the New Romantic throwback There's No Need; while "Together we can do it" is the catch cry of Ride - a song whose stolid doof-doof foundation is given gorgeous texture by Prince's guitarist, Wendy Melvoin. It's unashamedly feel-good, in a good way.

Empire Of The Sun have gone a step further than assimilating their influences on the album, enlisting the support of Tim Lefebvre and Henry Hey - members of Bowie's Blackstar band - along with Melvoin; while no lesser luminary than Lindsey Buckingham shows up to lend some wondrously sleepy guitar work on closing song To Her Door. The three bonus tracks included on the deluxe version add a final smattering of glitter to an already luminous pop gem.