The dreamy return of LCD Soundsystem

James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem performs onstage during FYF Fest 2016. Photo / Getty

LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy terminated the band in 2011 out of fear they would face an undignified descent into obscurity. Ironically, their latest release - after six years - has made them more relevant than ever.

It's fitting that Murphy's new sound reflects David Bowie's Berlin era. Bowie's depressive trilogy was made in collaboration with a homesick Brian Eno, who was also in a melancholy phase, which gave birth to his best albums.

Murphy was even slated to work with Bowie on Blackstar, a partnership that unfortunately fell through, however, the last track on American Dream, Black Screen, is a touching tribute to the late star.

The influences of both Bowie and Eno can be felt in the new album. Like Murphy, Eno was terrified of failure after the success of Another Green World. His last rock album - before a decade of ambient pieces - was Before and After Science, his masterpiece.

Murphy has been concerned with what other people think of him since the early days of LCD Soundsystem. Their first single Losing my Edge - released in 2002 - was about the fear that people were cooler than him and had better taste, and in turn, how pathetic those feelings were.

On Change Yr Mind he sings: "I'm not dangerous now/ like I used to be once / I'm just too old for it now / at least that seems to be true." His insecurity has turned into a resigned and cavalier attitude.

Mirroring the depressive eras of Bowie and Eno, LCD Soundsystem's new album is languid and reflective. There is no Dance Yrself Clean or Drunk Girls here. Nonetheless, the album is not without its bangers, and Call the Police serves as the largest.

American Dream is an introspective, cerebral album. Like Eno with Before and After Science, Murphy's fear of failure has spurred the best LCD Soundsystem release yet.

LCD Soundsystem, American Dream

Artist: LCD Soundsystem
Album: American Dream
Label: DFA/Columbia
Verdict: A hyper self-aware album that sets new heights for LCD Soundsystem.