Fire Flower Revue

From their home in Peterborough, ON to a recording destination in Paris, the ever-expanding universe of Fire Flower Revue has effectively captured an exciting essence on their newest album. There's a lot of experimentation in their 13 songs, ranging from bongos to accordion to opera samples to Bollywood. The tinkered with electro-pop bits and bites are present, tying everything together, lest it feel confusing. "The Structure," "Doo Wap Hearts," "You Are Only Good at Leaving" ― faster dance songs just waiting to be remixed ― and the romantic "Hedge Rows" are strong, while "Larger Dogs" is slower and pleasing to the ear, but not as pleasing in meaning. And yet, Jarret Prescott, Meg Kendrick and company find their playful side in 54-second breather "Whirley" and the toy piano-based "Gloc." The album features a wide range of guest vocalists and, at times, feels tired, but is an imaginative, trippy, valid achievement.