Fuzzy Fantasy

German duo Coma have progressed from making Kompakt-approved tech-house to pop-minded, vocal-heavy alternative dance in the vein of groups like Hot Chip. Fuzzy Fantasy is their fourth and most accessible album, with lyrics and hooks in full focus, while the club grooves on tracks like the propulsive opener "Hideout" are more refined and structured than ever. The post-punk guitars of songs like "Disconnected" provide the most significant departure from the groups earlier sound. A run of slower songs in the middle of the album further stretches the groups music beyond the confines of the dancefloor, although the breathing room allows for stronger hooks on tracks like "Hard to Find." "Beyond You and Me" is an easy highlight, thanks to the vocal counterpoint from past collaborator Dillon. "Transmission Failure" has driving, breakbeat-like drums and trippy vocal effects, and it segues nicely into previous single "Start/Stop/Rewind," one of the groups most memorable songs. "Space" has a certain Damon Albarn-like quality to it, and oddly seems like it could equally work as a Blur or Gorillaz song. The album ends with the racing yet atmospheric "Surrender," wrapping things up with the comforting line "it makes me feel like Im home" and post-Radiohead guitars. ~ Paul Simpson