The Dø - Shake Shook Shaken (Deluxe Edition) (2015)

The Dø have decent form in the indie-pop business. A collaboration between Finnish singer Olivia Merilahti and French producer Dan Levy, the duo’s previous work has always shown a strong ability to create strong, substantial pop music with smartly finessed hooks and melodies. That’s still the swing they’re after on their third album, but a decision to concentrate on keyboard and laptop rather than guitar and drums for the songwriting and sketching ensures new shapes and sounds are all around on this occasion. The Dø’s strongest suits have been an ability to create infectious songs and Merilahti’s powerful voice. Both qualities are still very much evident in tracks like Trustful Hands, though you get the sense their new didactic set-up has removed some of the warmth previously evident in their material.