Au Revoie Simone
Move In Spectrums
(Moshi Moshi Records)

Four years is not that long of a time to be on hiatus. After 2009’s Still Night, Still Light, the three girls of Au Revoir Simone went their separate ways and put the band on indefinite hiatus to explore other musical opportunities. But, apparently, the power of their musical bond proved too strong to stay away for long. Listening to the Brooklyn electro-pop band’s fourth album, Move In Spectrums, it sounds like they were never apart.

But a lot has changed in the musical landscape since 2009. Then, this brand of vintage electro-pop was still a relatively underground phenomenon. Now, ’80s-inspired synths and minimal production are practically ubiquitous in both the indie scene and the mainstream pop world. But the girls of Au Revoir Simone returned to remind us who does it best. Move In Spectrums has some of the most captivating melodies of the year, with an interesting but simplistic production approach and their trademark dreamy vocals. There’s nothing particularly unique or special about this record, nothing that really separates it from the now overcrowded pool of female-fronted, dreamy-vocaled, retro-synth pop bands. But it is executed very well. Often times on these electro-pop records, everything starts to blur together, but on Spectrums, each song is well crafted and has its own character.

Despite not being the most exciting or innovative album of the year, Au Revoir Simone prove that the place at the top of the electro-pop totem pole is still rightfully theirs. With some strong songwriting and enticing production, Move In Spectrums is a thoroughly satisfying listen.