Small Black – Limits Of Desire

Small Black – Limits of Desire (Jagjaguwar)

Small Black’s early work was among chillwave’s most enjoyable, but it wasn’t always particularly emotionally engaging. Their sophomore album’s cover depicts a nude couple embracing while precariously perched atop two ladders leaned against one another, as a congregation of crocodiles lurks menacingly below. Perhaps it means only love will save us, perhaps that it isn’t worth it; either way, to love is portrayed as taking a big risk. With its cleaner production and vocals whispering directly into your ear instead of calling out from behind a veil of haze, Limits of Desire makes Small Black more confident and willing than ever to connect with listeners. Since it’s also their most danceable and romantic sounding record yet, they’ll probably help listeners connect with each other as well, congregation of crocodiles be damned.