Broods – Conscious, review: ‘sharp and punchy’

Although barely out of school when they released their 2014 debut, brother and sister duo Georgia and Caleb Nott adhered to a retro synth-pop sound that originally emerged well before they were born.

Their follow-up is a sharper, often punchier album that kicks off with Eighties-style anthem Free, featuring Georgia’s big, breathy vocal over cracking beats. It gets even better on Heartlines, a memorable co-write with Lorde.

But while it equals their fellow New Zealander for youthful pop potency, the collaboration also highlights the lyrical gulf between Broods and Lorde – there’s nothing on Conscious to match the provocative songwriting of Royals.

At least the ethereal groove of Bedroom Door and the title track’s woozy electronics and harmonies hint at an intriguing experimental side to these synth-pop siblings.

(Island)