Little Dragon – “Ritual Union” (Audio)

By Roseann V. Warren on July 28, 2011@muphoricsounds

We can’t help it. We are completely in love with Little Dragon and Ritual Union deepens our affinity to them. Staying close to their sophomore album, Machine Dreams in sound, with a combination of experimental indi pop hooks, smooth electronic beats, and new wave, this Swedish four-piece band with Yukimi Nagano on vocals, Erik Bodin on drums, Fredrik Wallin on bass, and Håkan Wirenstrand on keys, are winners; their sound has tightened even more!

The opening track “Ritual Union” is quite unusual as Yukimi sings about the symbolism of marriage yet being left with a spirit of uncertainty, rather than a man. “Crystalfilm” is one of those songs we can all relate to in relationships—afraid of tripping up, you try to leave, but the memory permeates your being leaving you still in love. “Precious” takes us back to the sound of their debut, dark and gritty with drums, keys and percussions that build in a crescendo (Prince would be proud of this arrangement).

Thus far, 2011 has been a fantastic year for Little Dragon—from headlining a US tour, to their first US TV appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon at the behest of avid fan Questlove, then appearing on Raphael Saadiq‘s Stone Rollin‘ album on “Just Don’t” and being asked to work with Big Boi and DJ Shadow on new music. What’s so uncanny about Little Dragon is despite them now moving onto commercial ground, their integrity to their art is uncompromised. They deserve all accolades and critical acclaim!

Ritual Union released this week. Buy it! You deserve to hear some good music! [Amazon | iTunes]

“Brush the Heat”

“Precious”

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Roseann V. Warren

Founder + Editorial Director at Muphoric Sounds

Roseann V. Warren is a Brooklyn, NY-based freelance writer and developmental book editor who proudly calls herself a member of the Prince army and believes Hersey's chocolate is a crime against humanity. Follow her @webdiva3000