Dan Snaith aka Daphni aka Caribou has dabbled with a plethora of genres over the last decade, all his work proving a childlike playfulness as he tampers and manipulates melodic beats and sounds. Setting the benchmark with 2010’s ‘Swim’ encompassing stunningly defined works of art, ’Our Love’ is another striking step forward but perhaps delves into a more emotional, personal journey. Soundtrack of the summer, ‘Can’t Do Without You’ and title track ‘Our Love’, featuring multitalented collaborator and longtime friend Owen Pallett, are unique from the rest, with intimate undertones adding texture and soul.

With each track seamlessly following on from each other, one is definitely transported on an intergalactic journey with this latest release, somewhat a beautiful marriage between Canadian producer’s head and heart. Psyching yourself up with ‘Silver’, preparing to make it to ‘Mars’ – a most haunting track, seemingly never ending, and setting yourself free at the end, releasing yourself into the atmospheric bubble created by Snaith. Though supposedly the piece-de-resistance, ‘Second Chance’, featuring female RnB vocalist Jessy Lanza seems to drift from the magical voyage of the album and just doesn’t float my boat.

On the other hand, Snaith’s increasing confidence with his own vocals set ‘Our Love’ apart from previous records. Echoing throughout, his iconic, timeless falsetto adds a certain sense of vulnerability and delicacy to the show stopping tracks, making it dancey yet meditative.

As an elder statesman of the club scene keeping 80s house alive, ‘Our Love’ is definitely a contender for best album of the year in my eyes – a fluid story that gets your toes tapping, feet flapping and hands slapping, perfect for any late night. Get your “we liked him before he got famous” flags waving.

Ellie Wilson and Flora Tiley

photo: independent.ie