London trio Is Tropical may have only formed four years ago, but already their second album I’m Leaving is out, and it’s 10 tracks of fast paced, poppy electronica that is overall very satisfying.
Speaking of satisfaction, lead single “Dancing Anymore,” a track that announces shyly, “oh it’s been a long time, since I’ve been on the floor,” and features second on the album, is accompanied by a considerably more brazen video, one that centres itself around the unbridled satisfaction of a teenage boy.
Yep, it’s a masturbation video, and it’s French, funny and smeared from beginning to end with graphics that feel totally contrary to the track’s sweetened air. Erected by Megaforce, it would seem Is Tropical are in safe hands when it comes to their film clips, as they’re the crew that have worked with bands like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Tame Impala and Metronomy.
In 2010 the trio signed to Kitsune, the French niche music and fashion label that have also looked after Digitalism, Hot Chip, Phoenix, and Two Door Cinema Club in albums past. And it seems they’ve acquired a like-minded friend, as Is Tropical echoes – in the best ways – of all the aforementioned artists.
The opener, “Lovers Cave” is one of the punchier tracks on the album, but is still laden with the band’s identifiable synth shrills.
However, the excitement of the sophomore’s beginning is chased out with “Lillith,” a noticeably sharper darker cut that has simultaneously optimistic and tragic lyrics.
“Sun Sun,” emerges a few tracks later, as light and poppy as its title implies, and bops along merrily until its end, concluding with a balmy giggle.
“Yellow Teeth” is a gallant finish to I’m Leaving, layered with exquisite female harmonies and the slow execution of key line, “yellow teeth, don’t every change” which is revolting and romantic at the same time. But however you read it, the songs adds a final dimension to an album that traverses an impressive range of emotions, sounds and speeds, leaving this listener very satisfied.
