Is Tropical – Native To
aaamusic | On 30, May 2011
London trio Is Tropical finally release their long-awaited debut album. ‘Native To’ is a twelve-songs set all encompassing of the eclectic nature of the band, recently signed by French label Kitsuné.
The hype around Is Tropical lies not only in the incredible talent of the trio, but especially in the histrionic live shows, where the masked band produces mesmerizing projections. ‘Native To’ opens with well-know lo-fi anthemic single South Pacific, where OMD meet Groove Armada in a romantic rendez-vous in Ibiza. Land Of The Nod is an upbeat solemn march introducing the listener to Lies, maybe the best piece in the lot, a swallow dive in the 80s, derivative but fascinating nonetheless.
The Greeks is the second single from the album, a synthetic sirtaki already celebrated in the latest Kitsuné compilation. What? is a predictable exploration into the indie beats of Friendly Fires. Is Tropical give the impression of being much more comfortable in dance shoes rather than checked shirts. After the joyous pop of Clouds and the indietronic relaxations of Take My Chances electronic frenzy comes back with Oranges and especially Berlin, a mix of Passion Pit and The Postal Service, with its 8-bits atmospheres. Finally, the catchy Think We’re Alone paves the way for the two gems that close the album, the INXS’s nightmare of Zombies and the pounding beats of Seasick Mutiny.
Is Tropical will showcase in London on June 17th in the Kitsuné club night, and, as this album, is something you shouldn’t miss out.
Author: Lorenzo Coretti
