Langata
Sweat It Out, 2019
8/10
The Australian trio return with a sophomore album, and, much like their debut, it’s full of energetic and creative indie-dance sounds that move with unpredictable fun and calculated rhythm.
Crooked Colours don’t waste anytime getting right into their vivid and detailed song craft with the percussive heavy and clever “I’ll Be There”, and “Do it Like You” follows with dance friendly indie-rock that’s as addictive as it is inventive.
Elsewhere, “Heart String” is a snappy affair of mysterious sounds and refined minimalism, while “Just Breathe” brings a soulful aspect to the electro-pop vibe that’s never short on spirit.
The back half of the album offers us the synth heavy and ‘80s influenced “Hold On”, the hypnotic and guitar focused “Langata”, and the hushed yet proficient “Mirror Ball”. One of the best tracks, “Never Dance Alone”, resides near the end and brings in Ladyhawke on the smooth and stylish duet that beams with indie-dance sensibilities.
An extremely polished and adventurous second outing, it won't be long until these Aussies are seeing worldwide fame with their dynamic interplay between vocals, guitars and synth that’s never short on ingenious ideas.
Travels well with: Vallis Alps- Fable; Sylvan Esso- Sylvan Esso