Mount Kimbie - Cold Spring Fault Less Youth

Three years since releasing debut full-length ‘Crooks & Lovers’, Mount Kimbie have returned, with one notable change having occurred since their last full outing. They’ve signed to Warp, which as a stand alone announcement generated quite a bit of excitement, but it would seem the prospect of the two parties in unison has been causing heart palpitations.

For the sake of those with serious heart conditions, Mount Kimbie have struck gold again. ‘Cold Spring Fault Less Youth’ wobbles in places and loses focus occasionally, but otherwise this is a joyous record to put your arrhythmia to rest. They’ve lost none of their charm and gained plenty of confidence; the luscious and echo-ridden beats of opener ‘Home Recording’ mixed with its soothing vocals is one just fine example of the beautiful shoegaze electronics Dominic and Kai are able to form. For those who require a more accessible sound, the dancefloor-friendly nature of ‘You Took Your Time’ and ‘Slow’ will bring infinite joy, but this is Mount Kimbie’s only forays into that area, bar the simple yet effective keyboard riff of ‘Blood and Form’.

It’s different, but not unrecognisable. There’s a definitely a further emphasis on vocals within the songs, but it’s only really on the two King Krule collaborations that the lyrics ever start to step on the toes of the duo’s work, but mostly, ‘Meter, Pale, Tone’ and ‘You Took Your Time’ offer another tangent for them to explore. Fans of old will find solace in the understated ‘Sullen Ground’ and ‘Lie Near’, but it’s in ‘Made To Stray’ that they really find their stride. A building beat, surrounded by enticing electronic percussion, it acts as the best entry point for anyone entertaining the idea of Mount Kimbie for the first time.

In short, this is one of the most engaging dance albums you’re likely to hear this year.