Isles [LP+CD]

's 2013 debut album, , features the band's catchy, laid-back mix of indie pop, reggae, and singer/songwriter soul. Centered around the brother and sister duo of and , the Chicago-based often utilize 's funk and reggae leanings as the leader of the Afro-pop ensemble (with whom has also toured). However, with songs largely based around 's love of soul and melodic '60s pop, have a less frenetic, if still hypnotically languid take on 's world fusion sound. In that sense, has a kind of sultry, post- retro-soul aesthetic that's lightened by the sibling's own positive-minded, dance club hippie vibe. Tracks like the languid "Keep You" and the buoyant "Shine" largely work to showcase 's cherubic croon by surrounding it with fuzzy synths, echoey percussion, and 's own rootsy saxophone lines. Elsewhere, cuts like the shimmery, hip-swaying "Twisted" and the old-school reggae-sounding "June" help make the perfect summer afternoon album, designed for doing nothing in particular besides soaking up the good vibes. ~ Matt Collar