As a producer, remixer, and member of
Hot Chip
,
Joe Goddard
works with so many artists that it would be understandable if he sequestered himself on his solo albums. On
Harmonics
, his motto is the more the merrier. A celebration of shared creativity, the album's finest moments feel like a party with a guest list that includes friends and collaborators both old and new.
Goddard
teams up with
Ibibio Sound Machine
(whose 2022 album he produced with
) on the Afro-house standout "Progress," where icy electronics provide the perfect contrast to the warmth of the group's vocals. Raspy-voiced singer/songwriter
Fiorious
, who appeared on two singles with
in 2023, continues their chemistry on "New World (Flow)," an exuberant acceptance of life's ups and downs. Similarly, former
Wild Beasts
frontman
Hayden Thorpe
, with whom
worked on 2020's "Unknown Song," delivers one of
' most exciting songs in "Summon," a sweeping house workout that echoes the brilliance of
Anohni
's work with
Hercules & Love Affair
. And though it's tucked near the end of the record, "Mountains" is a reminder that
's rapport with bandmates
Alexis Taylor
and
Al Doyle
is as strong as ever, especially since it doesn't sound exactly like their work with
. The new collaborators on
keep the album's energy vital, with Guinean vocalist/percussionist
Falle Nioke
delivering the mesmerizing "Miles Away" and Ipswich rapper
Oranje
providing a moody highlight with "When Love's Out of Fashion." Time and again,
reaffirms he's a producer sensitive to the nuances of the vocalists he works with -- including himself. On songs like the chugging electro-pop ballad "Follow You," he gives listeners a breather from the album's more kinetic moments. Given how packed the guest list is, it's not surprising that this party runs a little long, but ultimately, each of
' tracks reflects the warmth and generosity of
's creativity. ~ Heather Phares