Ask That God review | Empire of the Sun’s blissful return to form

Nearly a decade since they last graced our ears, Aussie electro-wizards Empire of the Sun have returned from their cosmic slumber with Ask That God. This time around, Luke “Emperor” Steele and Nick “Lord” Littlemore aren’t just serving up the same old synth-pop sunshine. They’re taking us on a journey that’s equal parts dance floor banger and soul-searching odyssey.

From the get-go, Ask That God kicks off with the infectious ‘Changes’, a track that’s all about transformation, both sonically and thematically. The jumpy bassline and descending motifs will have you bouncing while the lyrics hint at deeper meanings. As you venture further into the album, ‘The Feeling You Get’ and ‘AEIOU’ hit you with a wave of retro-futurism. It’s like stepping into a time machine that blends the best of 80s power ballads with the pulsating energy of early 2000s club nights.

But don’t think this is all just about partying. The second half of the album takes a turn for the introspective, with stripped-down tracks like ‘Wild World’ providing a moment of serene reflection amidst the electronic whirlwind. And just when you think you’ve got a handle on where this journey is headed, ‘Friends I Know’ closes things out with a tender, acoustic-tinged farewell.

While the production is undeniably polished, and tracks like ‘Cherry Blossom’ and ‘Music on the Radio’ are sure to get stuck in your head, some might yearn for a bit more grit and rawness in the mix. Nevertheless, Ask That God is a testament to Empire of the Sun’s enduring magic. It’s a sonic adventure that’s as thought-provoking as it is danceable.

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So, strap on your headphones, turn up the volume, and let the music transport you to a world where the sun always shines, the beats never stop, and the possibilities are endless.

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