In the four years between
Royal Blues and
Bodyparts, pop music went through quite a few changes -- and so did
Dragonette: though they continued their creative partnership, Dan Kurtz and
Martina Sorbara ended their romantic relationship. The group's many collaborations over the years have proved they're nothing if not versatile, and they approach late-2010s pop from several different angles on
Royal Blues. "Let the Night Fall" is a fine example of breezy tropical pop, while "Secret Stash," a reunion with Dutch producer
DJ Mike Mago, could be another EDM smash like their previous collaboration, "Outlines." However, it sometimes feels like the trends are wearing them instead of the other way around.
Dragonette's takes on filter disco ("Darth Vader") and reggae-tinged pop ("Lonely Heart") just aren't as distinctive as their best work; meanwhile, "Body 2 Body" is reminiscent of fellow Canadians
Tegan and Sara, while the hazy album closer, "Future Ghosts," feels more akin to
Nite Jewel or
Goldfrapp. Fortunately,
Dragonette do find ways to transform their creative and personal changes into memorable pop music on
Royal Blues. The way
Sorbara dances on her troubles on "High Five" adds some sting to its cheekiness, while the layers to "Lost Teenagers"' nostalgia make it even more bittersweet. Elsewhere, more nuanced songs like the airy, surprisingly delicate title track and "Sweet Poison," which features a cameo from
Dada and production by
La+ch (as well as pointed lyrics like "We slam into each other like an accident"), point the way forward for the group. At times,
Royal Blues' scatteredness makes it feel more like a compilation than
Mixin to Thrill did, but its best moments suggest that this is a critical point in
Dragonette's evolution. ~ Heather Phares