Little Dragon

Little Dragon
2000's - current
dance / electronic
first song that reeled me in: "Ritual Union" Ritual Union, 2011.

Little Dragon / Self-Titled (2007)
Another band that hooked me with a 2011 release! And whose first album is a 2007 collection. Already: I am learning things about myself and making connections. It will be interesting to see what percentage of these entries will be based off of 2011 tracks. Anyway: to the album machine!

"Twice", this album's first track, is a somber, easy introduction. I am immediately and gladly sucked in by the vocals. The lead singer, Yukimi Nagano, has a voice that has an almost mystical quality. Somewhere between a cat's purr and a tiger's rumbling growl. The sound is instantly comforting while never losing its edge. It feels like she knows plenty - perhaps too much - about the world around us. This wise voice leads us effortlessly throughout the remaining body of work on this album. Dancing smoothly over well-collected electronic percussion and sound.

"Reccomendation" brings the album into a welcomed upbeat state, securing this as "not-just-another-background-music" assemblage. Too engaging for a forgettable soundtrack to a trendy, locally owned coffee shop. "Constant Surprises" might just be the number that gives you the confidence to approach the barista's counter and ask "Who is this, playing?" as you point an unassuming finger to the projecting speakers overhead. With "After The Rain" slipping into something a little more jazz / scat. The emotive importance that reminds me of Kimbra's cover of Nina Simone's "Plain Gold Ring", just less belting vocals. It is very clear that this is the same band that reeled me in with the 2011 song.

This album feels less like a story, to me; more of a really good mix. Plain and simple.


Machine Dreams (2009) 

Before I get into the actual sound of this one, I must say: the cover art is incredibly cool and takes me to a Dahlov Ipcar-ian kingdom on acid. The colors and graphics are something I would gladly put on my walls. Not playing this album right after the first, I might not even have noticed this, but: there is an immediate improvement on the sound / perhaps Little Dragon had a little more scratch to play with in the producing of this one. (It has to be said: it is not missed on the first album, just cool to hear on this one.) Within the first couple of tracks, Machine Dreams already has a funkier sound. A little closer to that of Janelle Monae. The more tempered tracks of hers - think "Pynk". Where the first might be a little closer to the dreamy sounds of old Sylvan Esso. It feels a little more energized and daring.


Ritual Union (2011) 

With the easy-yet-hopeful sound of the namesake track getting us started on this one, my expectations were pretty high. And Little Dragon delivered. Catchy tunes and silky vocals. Sweet and salty. I would easily categorize Ritual Union as an exciting album. One of those CDs that pleasantly surprise you as you play through it on the way home from the record store. Perhaps you don't blow through any yellow lights. Perhaps you take the long way home.

"Shuffle A Dream" is the second (and only other) song I discovered by this band. It is so good. A strong backbone, full of sass and intelligence (a deadly combo). You cannot tell this track anything. But I would love to see someone try. 

*** Thanks for making it this far! Unlike Nurses, Little Dragon has a few more albums up their sleeves and under their belt (and perhaps stuffed into their socks). If you should care to do so: enjoy some quick thoughts and impressions on their remaining bevy.
***

Nabuma Rubberband (2014) 

"Mirror", the first track, plops us right into the rolling chair of a detective in a noir novel. Just past our cluttered desk, a sultry dame kicks in the door. Its Yukimi's vocals. She's desperate and dressed in a slinky, red number. There are some upbeat tracks sprinkled in the mix, but for the most part, I would deem this album downright sultry. 

Season High (2017) 

The songs of Season High feel happy, but a little less soulful than I would have hoped. I could be wrong entirely / this could be the album where the band felt like they finally found their "sound", but it feels a bit vapid, considering their past work. It's fine. Nothing was knocked out of the park here, for me.


New Me, Same Us (2020) 

"Hold on" brings us strutting down the catwalk of RuPaul's Drag Race (I don't mean this as a good or bad thing). All in all: I would argue that there is more definition to this picture, but it's still a little too out of focus for me to tell what the subject it.


Slugs of Love (2023) 

"Amoban" introduces us to a world adjacent to that of the band: Jungle ("Back On 74" / "Romeo"). Less nostalgia / more modern-forward. This collection evokes more emotion, I would say, even if it is not necessarily the deepest of. And it is far more toe-tap-inducing than the previous two.