Vice

Few bands combine pain and pleasure as deftly as the Raveonettes. The Danish duo’s latest release, Lust Lust Lust, finds their tender harmonies once again surrounded by a wall of sound: heavily distorted heartbreak, fuzzy guitars, and countless Jesus and Mary Chain references. The album flourishes in loneliness (”Hallucinations”) and blissful sadness (”With My Eyes Closed”), yet is brightened by occasional sunny hand clapping and sugary sweet sentiments (”Sad Transmission”). Even if it often seems huddled a bit too close to the distortion pedal, Lust Lust Lust has enough surprises, hooks, and atmospherics to make it worth repeated listens.

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