Ooey-Gooey Summer Treats

The yin-yang formula seems to be working out well for today’s pop artists. Matt & Kim, Stars and Grouplove are making significant waves, and it’s never been a better time to release a duet (or, in P!nk and Nate Ruess’s case, a screech-off). With schlumpy style and syrupy-sweet melodies in high demand, Brooklynite boy-girl duo Savoir Adore picked the ideal summer to release their latest collection of “fantasy rock” songs. Though it’s a hair homogenous, Our Nature is a confident and charming record, and a decent addition to their respectable discography.

Album-opener “Dreamers” is pulling double duty as lead single and tonal thesis statement. With airy guitar sounds and breathy vocals from Deidre Muro, it’s a buoyant, beachy tune and an excellent soundtrack for a muggy night under the stars. What follows is a mixed box of sonic sugar cookies: some tasty, some forgettable and bland.

Standouts (with greater flavor) include Carina Round-meets-Yeasayer-style “Sea of Gold,” the swirly-tribal (with a dose of ’80s spunk) “Regalia” and ooey-gooey Naked and Famous-esque “Beating Hearts.” In fact, if there are any weekend NPR DJs in the house, a mash-up of “Beating Hearts” and “Young Blood,” would be a cinch – nudge, nudge.

Although their promo photos look like a Portlandia parody, Savoir Adore are quite the pretty pair, and makers of even prettier songs. For a summer of double trouble, consider Our Nature a prime source for the perfect playlist.