Ratatat — LP3

Ratatat's LP3 is a very logical follow up to 2006's Classics, which is a super thing if you're a fan of the electro duo's style, but somewhat disappointing if you were expecting any new sonic leaps. That being said, as a Ratatat album, it doesn't totally let the listener down. It's a much more organic affair with the tabla orgies of "Mi Viejo," acoustic guitars, odd antique-sounding samples, handclaps and piano. But thanks to the aforementioned samples and brave new beats on most tracks, it's still very much an electronic album. Ratatat still infuse most songs with their synth patch to create a vibe that's almost more laid back than Classics with the exception of the organ-disco robot romp of "Shempi." This gives most songs a warm familiarity, while at the same time paints them with the past, and doesn't let the album to jump out as a completely confident effort. Though not totally heroic, LP3 still provides some catchy hooks and solid instrumental chorus lines.