Previous album, Apocalypso, may have been The Presets' breakthrough, but unlike many artists who find commercial success, theirs was due to their originality rather than conformity – in a genre that rarely enjoys mainstream attention. The biggest challenge the Sydney duo had to face with Pacifica was to see if, not only could they back up Apocalypso, but reproduce that brilliant combination of catchy yet eccentric beats that only The Presets can make palatable.

Opening track, Youth In Trouble, is probably a safe introduction to the album – both lyrically political yet musically accessible. Latest single, Ghosts, is a better example of why The Presets are such a pair of musical geniuses. The perplexing sound of a sea shanty soon becomes strangely appealing and you realise that only Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes could produce such an unexpected hit. Other standout tracks include Adults Only, the ode to their hometown with an eerie, somewhat sinister undertone, and Fast, which is a classic Presets song – equally at home on radio, in the clubs and at festivals. It boasts their signature haunting vocals, addictive hook and explosive build.

It is obvious The Presets haven't set out to create another Apocalypso or sat down intent on writing a radio-friendly album. There are plenty of club anthems to keep their hardcore fans happy, like Push or Fall, but those that were exposed to their music through songs like My People will find plenty to challenge them in tracks like Promises and the soaring final ballad, Fail Epic.

Some may be disappointed The Presets have not pushed their boundaries even further after such a long hiatus and others will be relieved they haven't produced a playlist of jingles. Pacifica may not be as daring as Apocalypso but it is everything we have come to expect from The Presets – brave, bold and progressive.