It’s good to have New York duo Phantogram back with a fresh load of fat pop. And even if it is only an extended EP or mini album (six tracks in length – you decide), they turn in a varied set of smooth and shimmering, electronic-based delights.

Opening with the gorgeous tones of 16 Years, where the shoegaze tones are bolstered by an electro beat, it’s a relief to find the pair ably building on their debut.

Yet they aren’t playing it completely safe by any means, the kicking Don’t Move lets the rhythm get down, finding a hint of funk in the brass-sounding riff and a cut and paste male vocal line. Of course singer Sarah Barthel’s ethereal tones flow freely at all times.

Phantogram are clearly mastering, and revelling, in the construction of some choppy, electronic beats and Barthel’s angelic tones. And on tracks like Make A Fist the singer comes and goes amidst the rolling guitar, tripped up drum patterns and buzzing synth.

Okay, we didn’t quite buy into the industrial darkness, led by Carter’s vocal, within closer A Dark Tunnel. Thankfully Barthel is on hand to soothe our concerns during the softer refrains.

With the inclusion of pure, unadulterated pop moments like Nightlife and Turning into Stone – the latter twitching with dance-fuelled drum programming and mixed up vocal lines – it seems Phantogram aren’t running out of ideas anytime soon. Now when can we get an album’s worth?

-Zac Cohen-