Little Dragon
Nabuma Rubberband
(Seven Four Entertainment/Republic Records)

Swedish synth-soul band Little Dragon has returned with a new album that is partly inspired by the “slow jams” of Janet Jackson and Prince.  Fronted by Yukimi Nagano’s soulful vocals, Nabuma Rubberband blends a mixture of tales and moods from the up-tempo lead single “Klapp Klapp” to the cautionary “Pretty Girls,” alongside the reflective “Paris,” and the dark and dysfunctional “Killing Me.”

Releasing their self-titled debut in 2007, the group — consisting of Nagano (vocals/percussion), Erik Bodin (drums), Fredrik Wallin (bass) and Håkan Wirenstrand (keys) — has seemingly grown confident in their sound and production. The band worked with only two collaborators, Dave (De La Soul) who co-wrote “Mirrors” and “Killing Me,” and Robin Hannibal (Quadron) who co-produced “Let Go.” Nabuma Rubberband weaves an interesting, yet polished work of art.