Kiss & Tell

After years of wanting to forget the hideous clothes, music, and politics of the 1980s, the kitsch and cool of that era are once again embraced through music, so hooray for the second coming of candied synth beats and chunky guitar riffs a la , , and . Sweden's get in on the game with their second album, . Produced by songwriter/ engineer is much more approachable and playful compared to the band's 2002 debut, . The slick edges of and are replaced with glossy touches and a polish that would make blush with pride for what they created two decades before. Vocalist finally shines as a singer; she's vocally focused in her delivery while the harmonies coming from the sisters are equally fine-tuned, making fun right from the start. From the brassy cheers of to the foxy -like impression of the energy of seduces you to twist your hips like never before. The kaleidoscopic twang of combines '70s with threads for a fantastic corroboree. simply intended to make an album that's dance-crafty; however, those who adored the aesthetic and its unapologetic stance on might balk at their attempt. comes off a bit contrived and lackluster in the beginning, but after a few spins you'll grasp (and thirst) for its sonic goodness. For a sophomore record, did what made sense for them without concerning themselves with the politics of it all. It's a solid album, stylistically more friendly but not necessarily mind-blowing. They're making progress and so far, so good. ~ MacKenzie Wilson