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As far as genres go, the '80s-influenced synth-pop revival is a modestly populated one. The Scissor Sisters' Night Work set the bar pretty high in this musical niche, both in their songcraft and in their combination of tribute and ownership. In the early 2000s, the Faint were fellow travelers, but their version, though initially thrilling, was too stiff and humorless to survive without diversifying. Chromeo, on the other hand, have more to offer than a derivative musical ethos. Some bands experiment and evolve from album to album. Chromeo are not that kind of band. They have a concept, a style, and a sound that they refine with each new release. Their signature '80s homage is consistent across their songwriting, lyrics, album covers, and design — even their videos. And despite their claims to the contrary, the duo have enough self-aware irony to rise above the level of a throwback novelty act or a one-trick nostalgia pony. Far from being a departure or a new twist, "Night by Night" and "I'm Not Contagious" are exactly what we want and expect from Chromeo: more of the same — and maybe even a little better.
