Miami Horror is No Horror

The four-piece Melbourne group Miami Horror is back with a cheerful sophomore album. Miami Horror is frequently compared to Australian duo Empire of the Sun, but showcases a range of musical influences much more varied than Empire of the Sun has ever had. Synthpop has been welcomed with open arms due to the good vibes that radiate from the respective songs in this genre. All Possible Futures does not break the mold, bringing its brand of fun to listeners just in time for summer.

“Real Slow” is the hit single that was released nearly two years ago with vocals by the sweet-sounding Sarah Shernoff. The lyrics are simple and become repetitive, but the good-natured attitude makes the song a successful pop-sounding one. “We can take our time now that I know, this time,” sings Shernoff over a relaxed piano riff. The song is short enough that it doesn’t drag on, and this brevity keeps the catchy elements of the song contagious and fun.

“Love Like Mine” features leading vocals from Cleopold and it’s a unique song that reveals some of the many genres that have influenced this group.  This track has clear elements of jazz, disco, and funk, among others. The song has fascinating lyrics but frankly, it doesn’t matter what is being said – the music is the most ear catching and memorable thing about the track. It’d make a nice song to listen to while dancing aimlessly around the house, just a funky song that evokes pure and happy feelings on All Possible Futures.

Worth noting is the impressive way Miami Horror manages to creep these sometimes deep and even dark, thoughtful lyrics on top of this upbeat pop music. The synthpop sound traditionally takes precedence over the lyrics. However, words like, “Rainbows of nostalgia running through, it’s getting harder with you,” on the song “All It Ever Was” show the complicated lyrics that work just beneath the surface of Miami Horror’s fascinating beats, readily accessible to the listeners who listen closely.

In a sense, All Possible Futures is an LP that can easily be used as an escape. Miami Horror used a five-year gap between albums to move to Los Angeles and become inspired by new sounds. Miami Horror stands out from the pack by using eclectic music from the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Michael Jackson, Talking Heads, and Paul Simon as influences. Regardless of what genre listeners most frequently enjoy, this is an album that deserves to be played on repeat over the summer due to the good vibrations that it carries throughout.