Album review: Hermitude, Dark Night Sweet Light

Electronic duo Hermitude.

Australian electronic duo Hermitude mix synth keys, deep bass and drums to create the sound of their fifth studio album, Dark Night Sweet Light. More stripped back than 2012's Hyper Paradise, Hermitude have taken the chance to change up their style, without losing the essence of who they are as music makers. It seems Hermitude may have taken a few pointers from Flume's remix of their Hyper Paradise single, which took off a couple years ago.

Dark Night Sweet Light uses more vocal tracks than on previous works. The singing is treated more like another instrument, being stretched out, warped and looped so that they weave in with the rest of the music, rather than being the entire focus of a song.

Through the Roof, featuring Young Tapz, is a standout track - fuelled by trumpets and a dance inducing beat - is one of the great bangers on the record. The energy of The Buzz and Searchlight follow Through the Roof up nicely, while the moodier soundscapes of Shift and Midnight Terrain slow things down near the end of the record. Ukiyo and opening track Hijinx offer a warm kick-backed vibe which rounds out Dark Night Sweet Light. This is an album that can be easily played on repeat - tracks grow on you quickly, pulling out new sounds with each listen.

Artist: Hermitude
Album: Dark Night Sweet Light
Label: Elefant Traks
Verdict: A sweet mix of bangers and kickbacks.

- nzherald.co.nz