Try and not be overjoyed by Perfect World – you're unlikely to hear a more life-affirming start to a record this year. It's epic, but showing why it's so great it feels like the six-plus minute song is over all too soon. Brian 'Danger Mouse' Burton and James Mercer from The Shins have really gone to work with After The Disco, crafting these new sonic dimensions that jump styles frequently, but work cohesively as one. The album has a few lulls like Lazy Wonderland that fall a bit flat, but there's just too much otherworldly pop progress on this sophomore offering to feel let down.
