Perusing what has been "written" about Close to Monday, you could be forgiven for wondering if this electronic pop duo was more interested in its image than its music. The same charge was leveled at Eurythmics 40 years ago and it continues to miss the point: If the music sucks, no one cares all that much about the photos.

Close to Monday World Turtles EP (self-released)

This five-song set finds Close to Monday whipping around its many influences, both old (NIN) and newer (CHVRCHES) and, y'know, the one I mentioned above. The mood is largely somber, and the lush musical settings always take a back seat to the vaguely atonal vocals.

The images don't lie: This is music created by people who like to set a mood and control the style of the setting. And while there are otherworldly moments, this set remains grounded in reality.

Catchy? Yeah, but in that cool, electronic way. Close to Monday doesn't break new ground, but the ingredients for its electronic buffet are well-sourced. Confidently written and performed, these songs sink in with a slow inevitability. A fun dip.

Jon Worley