Two Vines

Escapist, lush synth-pop with nods ‘70s California. For their third album, Empire of the Sun tapped a dream team of legendary musicians to lend their talents: Henry Hey and Tim Lefebvre from David Bowie’s Blackstar band, Prince bandmate Wendy Melvoin, and Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsey Buckingham. The latter helped write “To Her Door,” which is as warm and wistful as Fleetwood’s “Gypsy” or Empire’s own “Walking on a Dream.”

The credentials are there, the ability is clearly there, but for now these emperors are yet to truly shine.

Back in 2008, Empire Of The Sun were glorious weirdos who wrote great pop songs. Now they’re just coasting

Outlandish duo continue to make glossy retro-futurist pop - their new album is both primeval and modern at once.

Also Dr John, Midlake, The Pop Group, and Soft Hair

Empire of the Sun don't do anything like that on their third album, Two Vines.

(Virgin EMI)

'Two Vines' by Empire of the Sun, album review by Jake Fox. The album is now out on Virgin/EMI.

Album Reviews: Empire Of The Sun - Two Vines