Welcome back after hiatus
Auckland five-piece band Pluto make a welcome return with IV and, after a 12-year hiatus, they remain imminently danceable and irresistibly cool. The rock group had moments of true brilliance in the early 2000s, giving us hits such as Hey Little and Dance Stamina.
The opener on IV, Oh My Lonely gives old fans everything they love, and new fans a taste of what they’re in for.
The rapturous hook starts early, lodging a childlike whistle in your subconscious. As you hear the first words, ‘‘You see me dancing by myself’’, you start to do the same, tapping and swaying, then nodding knowingly as the lead guitar kicks into the chorus.
Always more than the sum of their parts, there is something magic about the chemistry in Pluto.
Whether they are in party mode or rocking a hushed intimate vibe, they always bring out the best in a song. Equal parts light and dark, they can stir up drama, as they do on Revolting, or turn up the charm on pretty songs such as Contact.
Spot-on harmonies with an airtight rhythm section, Pluto have never been afraid to try new things and IV deserves repeat listens. These wellconsidered songs grow on you the more time you give them. Hopefully it gives the band a chance to tour again as their live show was always quite something to behold.
These Elements is a stunning EP from English singer Lapsley.
With ethereal vocals draped over tick-tock glitches and beats, these understated songs are undeniably gorgeous. She’s been making music since 2014, and this clever collection will likely have you going back to explore more of her work.
The lyrics are introspective and soulsearching, like a scientist examining emotions under the microscope for the first time, but it’s the melodies and harmonies that win you over. Her powerfully controlled delivery brings precision to each syllable, and the sadness that emanates is somehow offset by the crisp patters of drums.
Meanwhile, LAB decided to throw a little bit of everything into L.A.B III, which means there’s something here for everyone. A bit of funk, a sprinkling of reggae and dub, and a touch of rock layered under the silky smooth vocals of Joel Shadbolt.
LAB boasts members of Katchafire and Kora, and have quickly won over audiences with highenergy live shows. There’s a classic 70s soul sound to these songs.