This Side of Paradise [10"]

Following their sprawling 2013 debut full-length In Technicolor, Cologne tech-house duo Coma return with a more focused, stripped-down second album called This Side of Paradise. The album doesn't hopscotch through different styles as much as their debut did, generally sticking to midtempo, pop-leaning songs than tracks aimed at the dancefloor. Tracks like first single "Lora" and "The Wind" (featuring Bpitch Control-signed vocalist Dillon) are atmospheric, emotive pop songs with gentle vocals. The album's more driving dance cuts, such as opener "Borderline," incorporate subtle, manipulated vocal samples as well as several shades of "light" sounds, such as tastefully employed guitar licks and shakers. The duo's goofy sense of humor is evident on the chirping, bubbly "Pinguin Power," and "Verse Chorus" has a bit of a choppy, ecstatic feel. Otherwise, Coma keep it breezy and laid-back on this pleasant album. ~ Paul Simpson