8/10
Metronomy have had themselves an interesting few years recently. After the resounding acclaim brought on by their third album 'The English Riviera', they returned in 2014 with the love-it-or-hate-it 'Love Letters', an album that divided fans over their less dance-led direction. But it looks like 'Summer 08' is harking back to the electro days of sophomore record 'Nights Out' as frontman Joe Mount takes full control of the project once again.
Obviously, it is not 100% clear about which parts of 'Summer 08' are in reference to that time, but it definitely sounds like Metronomy have gone back to their roots with this sound. A minimal, electronic release that manages to reignite all those memories of hearing LCD Soundsystem or The Rapture for the very first time. This album is pure indie-disco nostalgia, and although Metronomy were very much part of that initial scene, this record is more of a homage than themselves rehashing old ideas.
Fans of the group's early days will definitely love this while those that discovered them from 'The English Riviera' may find it harder to get into. Nonetheless, 'Summer 08' is a fantastic return for the group and shows great promise for the near future.