Released 21st July 2011 on Peacefrog

Chart Performance: Little Dragon failed the chart in the UK.

What The Critics Said: “She’s (Yukimi Nagano) surely destined to become one of the voices of the year, while her accomplices’ subtle confections of minimal electro throbs and stripped-back beats has an alluring simplicity that’s like a refreshing, palate-cleansing sorbet” The Independent

Little Dragon are probably best known for their appearances on certain songs under the guise of ‘(featuring. Little Dragon)’. Most notably on Gorillaz’s concept album Plastic Beach in which Little Dragon provide two of the album’s most exceptional tracks. Even offering the crowning jewel of Gorillaz’s superb 2010 Glastonbury headline slot, by performing the songs live. It’s safe to say that Little Dragon have broken the mainstream, without ever becoming truly ‘known’. Which is odd because Little Dragon are a fantastically accomplished band in their own right, and this year’s Ritual Union proves this.

Merging the willowy RnB and the graceful trip-hop of the bands debut album, with the arty new wave, and schizophrenic electro of the bands second album Machine Dreams. Ritual Union is made into a glitchy dubstep induced pop masterpiece. Yukimi Nagano’s vocals are as subtle and aurally arousing as they’ve ever been. And although there is nothing on this album to match the sublime otherworldly ballad ‘Twice’ (from the bands eponymous debut), there doesn’t need to be. This album is a collection of short, sweet pop songs with a modern twist. ‘Precious’ is a song that seeps with tranquilized dubstep from every pour. That gets into your psyche and forces you feet to move. That’s largely what this album is; hypnotic and irritatingly danceable. ‘Little Man’ joyfully bops by with little regard to how catchy it is. It’s glitchy beat and contagious chorus will have you throwing shapes you had no idea you had in you.

‘Nightlight’ probably best encompasses all that is good about this album. This song performed live will have every man, woman, and child dancing and subtly chanting along to Yukimi’s downtempo declaration of, ‘1, 2, you move, your feet, your shoes, Flying like a arrow in the room’. That’s what this album does, it’s sonically adept at flying at you will a trail of electro haze leaving the listener impaled and entrapped within a haze of colour and sound. Each track is a fine tuned piece of 21st century pop, that shows no shame in getting under your skin and becoming a part of you. Not only one of the best albums of the year, but undoubtedly the most infectious.

2011 has proven that Little Dragon are one of the worlds premier pop acts, whose rising star is increasing in speed with every outing. If you didn’t catch them on their magnificent UK tour this year one can only assume you’ve missed your only chance to see them in a cosy venue for a very long time. These guys should be, and will be, megastars. With 3 fantastic albums, a successful and every increasing tour schedule, and perfectly executed guest appearances, Little Dragon should be one of 2012’s hot commodities. As well as Sweden’s best Pop export since Abba. Adam Grylls