There is an argument that Emmon’s shift from the electropop of “High Horses” and “Lips on Fire” to the darkwave of “Decisions” isn’t a step change so much as a shift along a continuum.
There has always been an intensity to the group’s energy and a sultriness to Emma Nylén’s voice that makes Emmon stand out from the crowd. The new album, ICON, sees the experimental and EBM dials turned up to match the ones marked “sexiness” and “danceability.”
The influences that come through include Depeche Mode circa Some Great Reward, Hydrology-era Recoil, and late 80s Clock DVA. The leftfield pop roots burrow deep into the dancefloor, while nourishing visions wrapped in leather and lace.
It’s immediately evident on the opener, “Neon Brown.” If hard is your calling card, then this track has your name all over it. Built with the industrial tooling that made “Something to Do” a classic for Depeche Mode, it is also tinged with delicious pop stylings.
That theme takes shape even more clearly on “Decisions” and “Shades of Blue.” Mr Monell has been studying the lectures of Professors Wilder, Miller, and Jones closely, on this evidence. If only Mr Gore had taken his notes with as much care.
Emmon wear their influences on their sleeves, but there is some truly striking original material collected here. “No Man’s Land” has some great electronic sounds but is lifted to new levels by Nylén’s vocals.
There is plenty of chugging bass to keep the party going. “Blood on the Ceiling,” which was written with Majestoluxe, leans into the spirit of That Total Age, while “Relics” is positively thunderous in the right room.
ICON is a dramatic set that blends poptronica into darker settings with the casual ease of an experienced bartender. Consume responsibly.