8/10
Since the beginning of their incarnation just over ten years ago, Swedish electro-pop outfit Little Dragon have always been one to push the boundaries of electronic music, delivering a multifaceted collection of abstract yet engaging releases that have cemented them as one of the great names in Scandinavian pop music. Yet just a year after their swooning and soaring fifth LP 'Season High', the four-piece have taken yet another left-turn in their direction with the release of 'Lover Chanting', a four-track EP that sets them up as more of a dancefloor-ready group.
Not to say that Little Dragon haven't dabbled in the world of progressive house music before, but this EP's title-track certainly sees them adventuring in something a little different to what we are used to. With a smooth and driven pace, the opener 'Lover Chanting' sets the band in a new light and one that fancies them as more of a Four Tet-esque production outfit. The same can be said for the following single 'In My House', while the third original piece 'Timothy' embarks on a more classic RnB direction, yet one the band seems at ease in pursuing.
If this EP sits as a precursor to where the band are heading, then prepare to be throughly thrilled at the prospect of their next full-length. 'Lover Chanting' makes a bold rebirth of their traditional atmospheric electro-pop, and unveils a small taste of a truly exciting new angle for the electronic stalwarts.