Music reviews

THE Luminanas Shadow People (Southbound) ★★★★ Shadow People is a genuinely refreshing genre clash from French band The Limin˜anas. Comprising instrumental tracks and songs with English and French lyrics, it sounds sort of like Ennio Morricone composing a tribute to ye´-ye´ music, performed by an indie band that used to play punk. Even more surprising than that mix is how well it all works together – this is extremely easy to listen to and is cool without feeling awkwardly ‘‘hip’’. Guest performances abound, including Peter Hook from New Order and Anton Newcombe from The Brian Jonestown Massacre, who also also produced the album. One stand-out track is the titular Shadow People. A loping track tinged with Britpop influences, it features vocals from French actress and musician Emmanuelle Seigner. – James Cardno ★★★ On their sophomore album, the US trio of Laura Lee, Mark Speer and Donald Johnson are mesmerising if not still frustratingly elusive. The nine tracks, which ostensibly take their inspiration from the band’s love of 60s and 70s Thai cassettes and the soul of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, are largely atmospheric and built up around Speer’s funky guitar lines. Another acknowledged inspiration is Lee’s MexicanAmerican grandfather but both these influences are not particularly obvious – think Isaac Hayes’ Shaft and spaghetti western soundtracks of the 70s for a better starting point. What’s most frustrating is that after the sublime first track Como Me Quieres, with its free-rolling funky guitar, every other song sounds like a variation on the opening theme. Khruangbin are definitely unique though and still worth the time to discover. – Mike Alexander ★★★ With a new generation of 90s-born creatives emerging onto the Auckland scene, Villette certainly stands out with a distinct attitude and electro soul aesthetic. Born Villette Dasha in 1995, the album Drip Crimson is a lush glimpse into a world of early-20s emotions with production strong enough to stand alone as an instrumental record. Raised in a musical home, Dasha left school at 16 to study music, something which certainly shines through on this largely self-produced record. An interview with Noisey says she even spent time in LA recording in a studio where Michael Jackson once stood. This debut mix tape is a creamy rich blend of classic R&B, sultry electronic and modern hip-hop, a release that will only expand Villette’s gargantuan potential. – Hugh Collins