The title of ‘Ice On The Dune’ really is appropriate for
Australia’s Empire of the Sun. Their glossy alt-pop production is a cornucopia of icy synths that bring a touch of sunshine
to a dismal summer.
‘Ice On The Dune’ follows 2009’s ‘Walking On A Dream’, both
featuring some truly dreadful cover art.
Featuring Emperor Steele and Lord Littlemore (as the duo prefer to be
called), it looks like something from a cheap 80s fantasy graphic novel,
airbrushed to an impossible sheen. It
also suggests a sense of the outlandish, of crazy creativity, neither of which
can really be found here.
Opening orchestrated track Lux certainly marks a bombastic start to the album, with its
oriental trimmings and visions of grandeur.
The remains of the album, however, is far safer. That’s not to say this is a bad album – far from
it. Following track DNA features a sparkling chorus and a wash of glorious synths;
current single Alive is a joyous
affair; Ice On The Dune follows
directly from Walking On A Dream on
the duo’s debut album with its breezy melodies; and I’ll Be Around has a laidback, late-night beach vibe. The pop hooks are very much alive.
It’s difficult to pick a standout track however. Where ‘Walking On A Dream’ had some obvious
highlights and took some clear risks, ‘Ice On The Dune’ is its antithesis with fewer
outstanding tracks but a more consistent overall feel that ultimately falls a
little flat. Only final track Keep A Watch differs from the usual
sound in a song that’s weirdly almost reminiscent of Bowie (and not in a good
way).
‘Ice On The Dune’ is a solid album of alternative synth-pop
that provides a suitably oceanic soundtrack to the summer. However, the duo are yet to properly fuse
their music with their creative dress sense.
3/5
Gizzle’s Choice:
DNA
Ice On The Dune
I’ll Be Around
Listen: ‘Ice On The Dune’ is available now.