For its new album, Dunes, Santa Barbara, California’s Gardens & Villa turned to Tim Goldsworthy, a producer who has worked with Cut Copy, LCD Soundsystem, the Rapture and other dance-oriented acts. The DFA Records co-founder’s influence is heard throughout Dunes, especially when you compare it to the band’s self-titled 2011 release. The change of scenery undoubtedly played a part as well. The album was recorded in Benton Harbor, Michigan, last winter. The result is a synth-pop album with an unmistakable ’80s style, traversing between New Order’s thumping beat on the standout Colony Glen and a much more funky sound on Bullet Train. There are two or three songs, i.e. Minnesota, that I would chuck, but, otherwise, this is the perfect soundtrack for your 1980s dance party.
All the Young Punks 