The Naked and Famous, In Rolling Waves
In the age of Lorde and Kimbra, it's almost easy to forget another Kiwi act that stamped their mark overseas in recent years - garnering fans with their passive-aggressive synth-rock sound on tracks such as Young Blood and Punching in a Dream.
This second album from The Naked and Famous is an impressive beast, with singer Alisa Xayalith's heavenly vocals the centre around which the electronic backing swirls in rolling waves. First single Hearts Like Ours recalls the hooks of their earlier hits, while other tracks start quietly and build to a climax, at times stepping into Smashing Pumpkins' territory. The album is an epic emotional and aural rollercoaster. The Naked and Famous, in full rock flight in front of the Big Day Out crowd in January, will certainly be a sight to see, and a wonderful sound to hear.
4.5/5 stars
