After the nervous electro-quirk of Metronomy's Nights Out, is it any wonder that Joseph Mount opted for a beach holiday? A masterpiece of modern yacht rock, The English Riviera cribs studio moves from Steely Dan, unfurling sparkling guitars and keys against an inky-black backdrop of empty space. The catchy songwriting, meanwhile, is more in keeping with genial British mopers like The Smiths and Hot Chip. It's the perfect record for a day at the shore—especially if it's raining.