Review
Dust off your neon leg warmers and get ready to groove, because Empire of the Sun's debut album, "Walking on a Dream," is like a time capsule of sound that'll teleport you straight to a psychedelic 80s beach party. Released in 2008, this album is a kaleidoscope of electronic beats, indie rock riffs, and pop sensibilities, all wrapped up in a glittery bow of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore's dynamic production.
The title track, "Walking on a Dream," is a straight-up earworm, with its hypnotic synth hooks and Steele's vocals that are as unique as they are catchy. It's like the theme song to your favorite cult classic movie that never was. And let's not sleep on "We Are the People," the second single that's just as infectious, with a beat that'll have your feet moving even if you're trying to stay cool and aloof. The duo's vision doesn't stop at the auditory – the music videos are a visual feast, with Empire of the Sun rocking some seriously out-there outfits in locales that look like they're straight out of a fantasy novel.
"Standing on the Shore" and "Half Mast" show off the band's versatility, proving they can dial it back with more contemplative tunes that still fit snugly into the album's vibe. Sure, some critics have tossed around words like "indulgent" and "lacking in experimentation," but haters gonna hate. The fact is, "Walking on a Dream" hit the ground running, scoring big in Australia and the UK, and even snagging a gold certification in the US. Plus, it snagged a pile of ARIA Music Awards, which is basically the Australian equivalent of the Grammys. So, whether you're hitting the dance floor or just chilling on your couch, Empire of the Sun's debut is a sun-soaked adventure that's worth the trip. - Kaitlyn
