DVAS

Canadian electro group DVAS' latest release, Society, is a strong dance pop record, for the most part, but it occasionally ventures into bland, repetitive territory when the lack of variety, and vocals, becomes apparent. The band are known for blending Hi-NRG with pop and disco to create a throwback sound. However, Society shows that this is a delicate formula ― certain songs hook you in with their mix of dance beats and sheer novelty, while too much or too little of either can also put you off. First single "Society" represents the catchier, up-tempo side of the album. The pace continues with "Ambient Room," which combines simple, reverberating vocals worked into long, distorted synth bridges. Pieces of "Consenting Adults" are unashamedly Chromeo, but it definitely possesses the strongest chorus of the album. Things cool off with "Telegraph," which isn't catchy enough to get away with not having vocals, and "Back 2 Basix," a slow, stripped-down track with some funk and R&B influences that don't translate well into DVAS' style. DVAS are best when they stick to what they know. Thankfully, there's more than enough of it on Society.