Beat Connection
Product 3
ANTI-
6/10
One of the most interesting things about this Seattle–based duo-turned-quartet known for its summery brand of Balearic electro-pop is how much variance they can cram into that simple shimmery sound. Since their Surf Noir EP, Beat Connection have found themselves operating within The Drums, Delorean, and Hot Chip’s chipper, increasingly atmospheric dance realm. Good company, that, and a “cool, young” vibe, too. On its second full album, however, Beat Connection take a step backward to include the stammer of R&B and a deep Indian groove. Product 3 is a really slick take on blue-eyed soul that finds the quartet’s motor running on the somber “Ad Space” and the quiet-storming “Air Conditioning,” with singer Tom Eddy doing a talky lover-man routine on “Illusion.” Yet this sleepy, stylish R&B gets an eclectic and groovy kick with the inclusion of tabla and other sweet Bollywood touches. All of that shoved into eleven tracks, and somehow Beat Connection manage to avoid being mere pastiche. Lucky them. Again.
