Gang Gang Dance - Eye Contact (CD)

So Gang Gang Dance's journey has seen them release material on the Social Registry, Warp, Young Turks and eventually landed them on 4AD whom they now have presenting this full length following the 'Glass Jar' 12". I can't help but feel that 4AD have lost their identity a little in recent times, both musically and aesthetically. Whether that's a good or bad thing I'm unsure, but what I can be sure about is grasping this in my hand that on the surface it very much looks like an older 4AD record but really it is more of a "tribute" to Vaughan Oliver's style. Anyway bullshit aside what we have here are glistening, pristine, polished pop songs. All are well constructed with lashings of synthesizer talent on display, all ideas seem expertly realized which I'm sure as an artist is something to strive for but I cant help but want a little of the raw energy of their earlier work. That's not to say fans wont find much to enjoy here though as there's a fine juxtaposition of sultry and more playful moments. There's even one tune I can imagine soundtracking a Bond movie as well as a ton of "positive energy".