6/10

Having delivered two confident studio albums in the form of 'Evergreen' and 'Conscious' in the last few years, New Zealand-based sibling duo Broods have already cemented themselves as a pair of true innovators in the world of electro-pop. Constantly building and evolving their brand, the pair seem to have reached an impasse as to where their sound should go on this new full-length, 'Don't Feed The Pop Monster'. As its title suggests, this new collection sees them embark on a more alternative sound, which has led them on a path of diverse experimentation and eclectic influences.

While it opens with the single 'Sucker', a super-glossy hybrid of Haim and Chvrches, the record quickly shifts gear and begins to plunge itself into the world of alternative electronica, that unveils them as a more atmospheric outfit, looking to deliver out-of-the-box ideas that sometimes feel jarring up against one another. The overuse of vocoder on track 'Falling Apart' and pumping percussion on 'Everytime You Go' do seem to bring new and interesting angles to the style of this new release, but most of the time, just feels a little disjointed in what it is trying to achieve.

Overall, 'Don't Feed The Pop Monster' stands as a bold and brave collection of inspired intentions, that just aren't quite made to be played all at once. Each track seems to offer something new and unique, but together makes for a rather mismatched LP that doesn't deliver quite as much pace and intrigue as their previous work.