Album Review: Little Scout - Are You Life

The so-called 'sophomore slump' is a beast that traps many a promising band, but not Little Scout. On Are You Life, their follow-up to 2011's debut, Take Your Light, the Brisbane-based indie quartet display a maturity and refinement that sees the expected level of sugar-and-spicery juxtaposed against a pervasive, darkened edge, ethereal atmospheric touches and an underlying compositional profundity and ambition that rewards repeat, intimate listens. The minimalistic We Used To Know is a standout but, then, the entire album is a shining testament to the strength of Brisbane's music scene beyond post-adolescent dance-pop. Treat yo'self.