International

Editors’ Notes Hannes Norrvide started Lust for Youth in 2009, making dark, blood-stoppingly cold electronic music that had inarguable allure. Joined by musician Loke Rahbek, the Swedish duo continued their foray into formidable industrial music. But after relocating to Denmark and adding new band member Malthe Fisher (who produces), their sound streamlined into something resembling the specterly soul of New Order and Joy Division dressed in Depeche Mode finery. And it’s brilliant. International follows the vibe of their previous (and first really accessible) work, Perfect View, with an impressive collection that's dance-worthy, haunting, melancholic, and beautiful. Reverbed, anvil-and-hammer percussion and thick, bouncing bass notes and synths drive songs like “Epoetin Alpha” and “Illume,” tunes well-steeped in the moody petulance that permeated early-‘80s (mostly British) alt-pop. English lyrics help, though some Swedish spoken word and singing is scattered throughout International (it's called International, you know). There are even hooky choruses that belie the group’s true pop heart (though the sparkle of “New Boys” makes it even harder to obscure).