Minimal synth duo Xeno & Oaklander have been casting their moody spell for a decade, but their fourth album continues their very gradual journey from darkness to light.
Topiary is their first record not to feature the stern tones of Sean McBride – instead he sticks to synth duties and leaves the singing to Liz Wendelbo, and the results are less austere and more approachable.
Certainly, lead single Marble is an inviting opener with its graceful keyboard riff and memorable melody. There are plenty of rough-hewn beats, but the pill is always sweetened by Wendelbo's melodic vocals and, on several instrumentals, by the sumptuous synth work. Chevron, in particular, is a perfect blend of propulsion and atmosphere.
All in all, Topiary is 35 minutes of addictive electronic pop, full of intrigue.
