Album Review: Empire of the Sun ‘Two Vines’

Australian ethereal-dance duo Empire of the Sun have returned with their highly-anticipated third studio album, ‘Two Vines’. The 14-track album showcases the pair’s signature alternative electronica style and exudes elements of lush synth-pop, nods of nostalgic ‘70s California, and ‘80s pop.

Empire of the Sun producer Nick Littlemore said they wanted to display “the wisdom that plants can give us about living harmoniously on this beautiful planet,” and that the album is the sonic “image of a modern city overtaken by a jungle, almost like mother nature taking back the planet”.

Opening in the funkiest way possible, Before bounces along, atop jangly production and simple booming bass. Vocalist Luke Steele’s lo-fi and piercing vocals echo throughout, smoothing the track out with lyrics “Come wash the clouds away/Can’t wait for summer” encapsulating the warm months in the opening track.

“Expect this one to land somewhere in the pointy-end of triple j’s 2016 Hottest 100…”

One of the album’s big singles High and Low offers an up-tempo dance track with a glistening introduction. With a soundscape similar to tracks by the Bag Raiders, the track is jam-packed with feel good vibes. Expect this one to land somewhere in the pointy-end of triple j’s 2016 Hottest 100…

Title-track Two Vines offers an acoustic introduction delivering a surprisingly softer track, as electronic beats ripple by. Friends features elements of ‘80s pop-inspired synths. The first minute of the track delivers a softer  refreshing rhythm too, but quickly returns to typical Empire of the Sun danceable synth-pop soundscape.

There’s No Need opens with what sounds like an up-tempo version of an introduction to any R. Kelly song mixed with music probably heard at prom in the ‘80s. Electronic vocals are made tolerable by the catchy melody of the chorus, while moments of acapella break up the similar beats present throughout the album.

Despite opening hints of classic rock, Way to Go reverts to the electro duo’s classic sound. Channeling Daft Punk electronica, ‘80s inspired love song Ride brings super catchy lyrics “Together we can/Together we can do it” teamed with a built-up sound in the chorus, ultimately tying the song together nicely.

“If you consider yourself indie or a bit of a hippie at heart you’ll be sure to enjoy ‘Two Vines’, as a majority of the album sounds like the music you’d totally hear in an advertisement for a refreshing summer beer.”

Digital Life stands out as one of the most interesting tracks on ‘Two Vines’, sounding like music from a retro video game superimposed on a dreamy soundscape. An interesting new rhythm is introduced, while techno-inspired sound effects are scattered throughout.

Fleetwood Mac guitarist and vocalist Lindsey Buckingham showcases his songwriting skills on To Her Door which begins a lullaby and transforms into an uplifting, feel-good tune, with lyrical content including “I feel better when we’re together” get you right in the feels.

Keystone delivers a half-time beat, bringing nods to ‘70s California that capture the perfect soundscape for a lengthy coastal drive. The last eight seconds of Keystone offers what sounds of the beginning of a wicked track that just never happens.

Closing the album is Welcome to My Life, bringing an interesting soundscape with broken vocals and acoustic riffs which bear a striking resemblance to the duo’s famous track Walking on a Dream. The booming production sounds of Welcome to My Life conclude the album on quite literally a high note with Steele’s high-pitch vocals and high energy dance beats taking centre stage.

Overall, ‘Two Vines’ takes you back to simpler times and despite delivering tracks that hit the ethereal spot, the album never strays too far from the Empire of the Sun signature dance-pop sound. Expect heavy undertones of steady bass, synth-pop, and a hint of coastal drive vibes.

If you consider yourself indie or a bit of a hippie at heart you’ll be sure to enjoy ‘Two Vines’, as a majority of the album sounds like the music you’d totally hear in an advertisement for a refreshing summer beer. Our top picks are High and Low, There’s No Need, Digital Life, and Zzz. We give ‘Two Vines’ three and a half stars.

Empire of the Sun are performing at FOMO Festival in Brisbane and Sydney, so if you’re a fan of the quirky duo, snatch up a ticket while you still can!

FOMO Festival 2017

FRI 6 JAN
Adelaide Gaol, Adelaide*
SAT 7 JAN
Riverstage, Brisbane
SUN 8 JAN
The Crescent, Sydney

*Empire of the Sun not playing 

Get Tickets HERE