Dan Snaith, oh Dan Snaith. While we all know this beautiful being is capable of producing smooth deft beats which tell a story (if Odessa isn't the first song to come to your head, get help), I guess we all thought Swim (2010) was going to be one of his last albums with complicated layered compositions, only because it was so good. However, surprise surprise! From a career fraught with transitions, be it through name or sound, Snaith's trademark neo-psychedelic ambient tunes is one that plays on our cerebral fantasies like no other. This laptop electronica giant with a penchant for messing with our minds is back this time with a brand new sound, not one that's unfamiliar, but rather, unexpected. A peculiar album, with cheery melodies intertwined with darker undertones, presented in singles Can't Do Without You, Second Chance and of course, Our Love. From tailored buildups to slick breakbeats reminiscent of good ol' 80s new-wave synth pop (Animotion, anyone??), I can't help but wonder if this new album is Snaith's attempt to stray away from his past musical identities, or merely a celebration of his current one. Either way, I'm not complaining and I hope you guys aren't.

Released: Oct 07, 2014, ℗ 2014 Merge Records, Available on iTunes, $7.99.