First, the keyboards. No, wait. First, the beats. Not 808s, I don't think, but a close simulacrum. Then the keyboards, which sound transplanted from OMD's "Tesla Girls" era. Topping it off is Niko's cross of neo-disco wails and more throaty talk-singing. The result is a concoction of alt-pop from the last 40 years or so.

Niko Electric Union (ATIC Records)

Totally slinky. In the end, everything serves the chill grooves on this set. In many ways that lends a throwaway feel, but after bathing myself in the experience I'm hearing a lot more under the surface. The piffles on top are intoxicating, and the bones underneath carry some serious gravity.

The playful production sound never allows any of these songs to drag or get lost in tangents. There's a note in the press that Niko wanted to create an album perfect for dancing, chilling or whatever. Niko is based in Seattle, but she has been working and recording with British producer AIM for more than 10 years. This is yet another extraordinarily successful collaboration.

The rare grabber that then sinks in its claws completely. Niko and AIM have crafted an album that would serve well as the soundtrack for a (one hopes soon) post-COVID bash. Get lost, but don't forget to dance.

Jon Worley