Seattle duo ODESZA stated their own sound with the title of their 2012 debut, Summer's Gone, a two-word phrase that perfectly captures the bittersweet and blissful mood of their electro-pop. In Return, the band's sophomore release, is an equally apt title on chronology alone, but it's also an indication that the band continues to offer the warm fuzzies, and still fills the gap between acts like Pretty Lights and Miike Snow. Making their porridge "just right," ODESZA are the group for the third bear, as highlight "Say My Name" with vocalist Zyra could be an asset on a mixtape marked "hipster," "everyman," "reserved snob," or "club kid." With clicks and chaos both soothed by the siren that is vocalist Py, "Echoes" holds appeal for those who like things brittle and glitchy, but also those who like things very Sia or Lorde. Ethereal and epic as well, "Memories That You Call" must be what it sounds like when Buddhist temples hold raves, while "All We Need" with Shy Girls is a different, more Prince-like and radio-worthy take on the genre of cloudy indie R&B. In the end, the diverse and dreamy In Return is just like Summer's Gone with sampled vocals being replaced by well-selected vocalists, but more than anything, it's a humble crowd-pleaser, wistful and warm just like another end of summer. ~ David Jeffries
