5/10

There was a time when we thought we would never be hearing from Empire Of The Sun again. Their debut album 'Walking On A Dream' became such an overnight sensation back in 2008, we thought that they had simply given up while they were ahead. But instead, returned in 2013 to release their less-than-desiable follow-up 'Ice On The Dune'. And now they are back once again with more of their ethereal electro pop on 'Two Vines', a record that real trouble finding its feet.

While this record is certainly more like their debut than 'Ice On The Dune' was, it just doesn't seem to have that same impact. Put it down to changes in taste since then but it just seems like the pair are working their way through the same old formula. Even with some incredibly eclectic guests such as Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham and Wendy Melvoin, originally from Prince's Revolution band, it never really leaves the shadow of their debut release.

While you can't blame them for trying to rely on tried and tested methods, it does feel like a record filled with music industry pressure. It just feels like a boiled-down attempt at rekindling old fires, and the result is so-so at best.