Unpatterns

Unpatterns is not without fault – the closing trio of tracks is forgettable – but it contains perhaps some of the pair's best work

Absolutely sterling work, very possibly the most consistent album yet from the duo, and not a star guest in sight.

The most danceable tracks are the simplest – Interference and Your Love Ain't Fair – but the rest is music in which to lose your thoughts, rather than your T-shirt.

Unpatterns is actually more engaging and accessible than Simian Mobile Disco's past work, perhaps because no gimmicks or distractions cloud the band's analog alchemy.

Unpatterns is very now, yet by employing key electronic music touchstones it sounds classic as well.

SMD's latest is an exploration not just in sound, but in concept; it feels like a defining statement, not just for them but for dance music in general.

‘Unpatterns’ is a tipping point and an opportunity to write their names larger in the history books than they could have managed with their disco-lite of old. 

In terms of popularity, the album is not likely to rival Attack Decay Sustain Release. It's not as novel, either, but it's exceptionally crafted.

As a collection in the SMD back catalogue, Unpatterns is certainly their best work since Attack Decay Sustain Release, but it still falls a little short of those admittedly towering heights.