It’s been a solid three years since Groove Armada released a new album, and 2007’s Soundboy Rock was an effort that was well received, seeing the group steering their sound away from the late-night house and downtempo sounds, to a more rock and pop vibe that crossed over with some of their more trademark sounds. Intriguingly, Black Light represents another sound shift for the group, as they bolster up a completely new live show with a complimenting album to boot.

Well, they’ve succeeded in delivering an absolutely surprising and fantastic album; it’s also a fantastic little taster as to what we’re all bound to here at this year’s Big Day Out. The Armada have thrown out the computerized percussion and replaced them with some live drums, and a sound that’s very reminiscent of the likes of MGMT and Yeah Yeah Yeahs – sporting a psychedelic backing, a hint of disco and pop to keep the dancefloor moving, as well as a touch of nostalgia for those of us who have graced the earth longer than others.

We open to the slowed-down rock grooves of Look Me In The Eye Sister, which oozes attitude and sophistication with its crashing drums and its sly electro backing synths. The subtle, mellow tunes continue to seep through with Fall Silent, the likes of which PNAU frontman Nick Littlemore contributes to, and his vocals to infuse the track with an anthemic vibe that will garner more than a few singalongs and waving hands.

The mellow feel of the album quickly disappears, as we build to one of the highlight tracks of the album and into what’s already one of my favourite tracks of the New Year, Not Forgotten. A true Groove Armada track, one bursting with power, menace and a sound that will tear down stadium and festival tents, it’s a track that utilises euphoric synth work and a chunky drum break alongside Littlemore’s screams. This continues later in the album with the dirty electro number Warsaw, one that is bound to get parties started and keep them going.

The rest of Black Light makes for a presentation of some energetic and supremely catchy pop. Paper Romance’s shaken but not stirred style, where the synths and drip drop fills are beautifully combined with SaintSaviour and Fenech Soler’s vocals. Saviour’s vocals appear on another subtle number Time & Space, beginning the close of the album with airy backing synths, thin line electro fades and a chorus to die for. The albums’ closing track History features the stunningly assorted vocals of Will Young, who hits a killer note while the track oozes a classy funk vibe, with plucky bass and glitch inspired drums.

Upon listening to Black Light, you’ll immediately feel the group’s aim is to please both at home and at the stadium. Black Light is an indication that Groove Armada are still 110% capable of producing music that has universal appeal and sophistication, but it’s also a confident show of direction from the group as to where they want to end up in the next few years.

Don’t miss Groove Armada closing the Boiler Room on the Big Day Out tour in 2010. If you missed out on festival tickets, don’t forget they’re playing sideshows with Simian Mobile Disco DJs in Sydney and Melbourne:

22nd Jan – Big Day Out, Sydney
23rd Jan – Big Day Out, Sydney
25th Jan – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
26th Jan – Big Day Out, Melbourne
27th Jan – The Palace, Melbourne
29th Jan – Big Day Out, Adelaide
31st Jan – Big Day Out, Perth