Continuing down the same rhythmic path laid out by 2016's
Home of the Strange,
Young the Giant delve deeper into atmosphere and texture on
Mirror Master. While the results are not as immediate as their prior work, album number four is an exercise in restraint that mostly opts to soothe and transport rather than demand a physical response. Aside from "Simplify" and the rollicking title track, the liveliest selections are worlds away from "Cough Syrup," swapping exuberant energy for slick, funky grooves, as on "Tightrope" or the skittering,
Miike Snow-esque "Brother's Keeper." Elsewhere,
Mirror Master turns inward, whether on the sparse and introspective "Call Me Back," the pastoral "You + I," the slow-building "Oblivion," or the dreamy "Darkest Shade of Blue." Album highlights include "Glory" -- a lush, sweeping gem that plods through the haze atop a thick bass groove -- and "Superposition," the gorgeous opener that balances alluring beats and heartfelt emotion. Patiently drifting along, there's enough on
Mirror Master to sate fans and warrant a listen. ~ Neil Z. Yeung