Little Dragon

Season High BECAUSE MUSIC. CD/DL/LP

Futuristic Swedish dance pop with a nod to the ’80s.

The trams rattle sedately around Sweden’s second city, Gothenburg, the slow clank of the Domkyrkan (cathedral) bells seemingly setting the pace. It seems an odd place to have become a death metal hub. Sparkling synth-pop quartet Little Dragon feel more representative Gothenburgers. The follow-up to 2014’s Grammy-nominated Nabuma Rubberband finds them in upbeat mood. Opportunely en vogue, the 1980s provide much inspiration – there’s a decidedly purple hue to proceedings. It’s highlighted by the Princely funk of Celebrate, while hints of those mavens of sleek, pop R&B, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, percolate throughout. Sweet, for example, updates Controlera Janet Jackson with cheeky, chiptune house stylings. Season High’s pivotal moment, however, is Butterflies, where endless arpeggios, celestial minor chords and Yukimi Nagano’s winsome vocal timbre combine in a tidal wave of glorious emotion. Clever and cool, Season High is a career high.