Little Dragon

Since the 2009 release of their sophomore album Machine Dreams, the Gothenburg-based Swedish quartet of Little Dragon have found themselves in high demand, with many artists wanting to tap into their eclectic blend of electronic and soul-infused music. Everyone from Gorillaz (on the Plastic Beach standout "Empire Ants") , Raphael Saadiq and TV on The Radio's Dave Sitek (under his Maximum Balloon moniker) have worked with the group, yet all the outside work and attention seems to have strengthened the group's internal ties. Ritual Union is more immediately upbeat than its predecessor, shedding that project's Prince and new wave references, with the focus on hypnotically intricate grooves more reminiscent of their critically acclaimed debut. As the undisputed focal point of the group, Yukimi Nagano's ethereal presence anchors the nocturnal "Brush the Heat" with mere atmospheric vocal tics and the palpable matrimonial unease of the title track with an understated yet powerful aura. But despite all the worthy attention Nagano garners by herself on stage or in collaborations, Little Dragon's strength as an overall unit is never overshadowed. Their forays into house rhythms ("Summertearz"), the gradual ecstatic unfurling of "Precious" and the starkly minimalist "When I Go Out" represent experimental diversions for a group determined to take newfound fans and longtime adherents on a sonically adventurous and emotionally resonant journey.