Jupiter

Los Angeles dream pop duo explore even darker hues on their sophomore LP, . Core duo and seem to have distanced themselves from the lush, electronic-based pop of their 2012 debut in favor of a more streamlined full-band sound. Joining them on this outing are drummer and bassist , who help propel these gauzy guitar jams that drink heavily from the cup of mid-'80s shoegaze and goth. The ' new format allows for more spontaneity and looser structures, especially on the extended dark psych of "Love Soldier," a six-minute -inspired epic written in a Laurel Canyon mansion. The churning, heavily chorused guitars of "Dream Street" are very reminiscent of -era , and they employ similar layered guitar techniques throughout 's ten tracks. Although 's beguiling vocals were always at the forefront of the band's sound, ' vocal contributions seem more deeply buried than before and the overall vocal presence is folded into the swirl of reverb that hangs like a fog over the album. Their new sound suits them and the definitely have a knack for heavily treated dark pop, and while they're certainly not the first to revive the shoegaze/dream pop flag, they fly it well. ~ Timothy Monger