Released: May 6
Dubstar’s comeback goes from strength to strength with their standout fifth studio album ‘Two’.
Recapturing the dream pop sounds of their early recordings, Sarah Blackwood and Chris Wilkie reunite with producer Stephen Hague – the mastermind behind classic hits Stars and Not So Manic Now – for a 10-track collection of synth-laden perfection.
Opening with single Token, Sarah’s distinctive vocals are instantly recognisable, as is the shift from previous album ‘One’, produced by Youth.
On that record, the duo fell back on an organic blend of drums, guitars and percussion, opting for select digital effects that harkened back to their early years. This time around, their dive into electronica with stellar results, paving a clear path for the future of Dubstar
Synth-pop fans need look no further than the single I Can See You Outside – a slick electronic number that could, in all honesty, have been lifted straight from the ‘90s in all its dance floor glory – while pre-release cut Tectonic Plates is another example of Dubstar’s impeccable pop sensibilities.
‘Two’ is the pair’s first collaboration with Stephen since their seminal ‘90s albums ‘Disgraceful’ and ‘Goodbye’ and, listening to the new set, it’s hard to believe more than two decades have passed.
While their latest record affirms that 2018’s comeback was more than a one off, it slips in and out of sonic references to the band’s glory years. Some songs, like Lighthouse and Social Proof, harken back to the Britpop era, during which the pair rose to prominence, bringing the sound up to date for a current audience while remaining intrinsically faithful to the original movement.
Meanwhile, the piano ballads Tears and Perfect Circle offer moments of respite from a multi-dimensional soundscape, stripping back the instrumentation to acoustic piano and Sarah’s raw vocals and cutting to the heart of the Dubstar sound.
The days of full commercial single releases backed with extended edits and remixes may be gone, but Dubstar aren’t ready to give up on their glory years just yet and have packaged deluxe editions of the record with a bonus disc of alternate mixes of singles and album cuts.
Decades into their career, Chris and Sarah could easily rely on their impressive catalogue and give up making music altogether, but based on their latest output these two should never be allowed to let their creativity rest – the results are just too good.
With their last album, Dubstar proved that they can turn their hand to new sounds and expand their collaborative horizons with ease. But this time around, with Stephen in tow, they embrace all things electronic and lean into a lush soundscape that radiates life and looks to the future via echoes of a glorious past.
Two is available now.
