Little Dragon return with their fourth album, Nabuma Rubberband. It's one of the most interesting statements in pop music as of late. The Swedish band, fronted by vocalist Yukimi Nagano, travel through dance music and downtempo tempering slow jams with more upbeat moments. Their adventurous take on pop sheds the confines of the genre while still placating the masses. The music is rife with the rhythmic variations and textural contrasts that has made their previous output so enjoyable. Nagano's voice has always been pleasantly smoky and she shows no sign of letting up on Nabuma Rubberband. She alternately channels Prince and Janet Jackson while continuing to forge her own path. The rhythmic back drop provided by Erik Boden, Fred Wallin and Håkan Wirenstrand is just as experimental as it has been in the past. They take cues from R&B, electro, pop and dance to create their own indelible sound. There are many layers to Little Dragon and Nabuma Rubberband has opened up a few more.

• music label: Seven Four Entertainment / Republic 2014

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 06/2014