Remember the 80s, when the word “recession” was but a distant memory and the future looked bright?

Don’t strain yourself, just put on Empire Of The Sun's album Walking On A Dream and get swept away in the electronic funk from the Australian duo Empire of the Sun.

Easily the strongest songs, Standing On The Shore and Walking On A Dream cascade with early 80’s pop power, whilst Delta Bay, Tiger By My Side and Swordfish Hotkiss Night take some surprising turns, with some Prince-esq vocals and a healthy blast of retro disco for good measure. Unfortunately, on the 80s revival front MGMT got there first, but this album deserves to stand on its own merits as a 2009 contender for best record - an excellent, uplifting album.

Caleb Blue