“Honey Circuit” doesn’t so much blow your mind as much as it rearranges it. Yes, it’s Metro Area. But it’s Metro Area getting out of their comfort zone just enough to make you realize that they’re hardly a one-trick pony. The sonic elements are much the same: hand-claps, flute, glistening upward-reaching synth fills, wordless vocal oohs, etc. etc. But there’s more going on this time and, at times, the structure seems almost too busy (like they’ve gone prog or something), but it’s probable that you’ll be jacking too hard to care. “Rhythm Reel #6” corrects the failings of “Honey Circuit” by taking everything unnecessary out and leaving what is essentially a DJ tool—albeit a wholly hypnotic one. “Things Fall” gets back to basics for the group, featuring a popping horn line and those R&B synths making love to the woodblock and funky guitar line that plays underneath.

Environ / ENV 022
[Todd Burns]