You don’t come to a new Junior Boys album expecting it to be unrecognisable. Matt Didemus and Jeremy Greenspan may tinker with their approach from record to record, but the essential ingredients remain the same. There’s the warmth of the production, the languorous vocals of Greenspan, the easy ebb from the lounge room to the dancefloor. The disco pulse might have quickened on 2009’s Begone Dull Care following the wistful So This Is Goodbye, but it was not what you’d call an about-turn.

It should come as no surprise, then, that fourth album It’s All True is quintessentially Junior Boys. Opener Itchy Fingers is something of a red herring, its jerky vocals, urgent bassline and busy production flourishes setting a breathless pace (in Junior Boys terms). The gentle exhale begins immediately after with Playtime, its pensive mood held for the full six minutes. The song also finds new textures to Greenspan’s voice, and when he croons “come a little closer”, you’re already right there. For a group that does slowburn so well, Playtime is further proof that less can be more.

Greenspan has spoken repeatedly about the influence of ‘90s R&B on the album, but it isn’t all smooth serenading. There’s a real pep in the step of You’ll Improve Me, a joyous synth jam that finds the duo at its most playful. When the double-tracked chorus kicks in, it might be hard for fans to stifle a little whoop. The song also has the peculiar thrill of hearing Greenspan sing “you should’ve known I was angry” as placidly as he would anything else.

The resemblance to past Junior Boys outings might be a little too strong on A Truly Happy Ending and The Reservoir, despite the sheen of the production and Greenspan’s evident enjoyment darting around the vocal register. Second Chance pulls everything into focus; its squelchy bassline and summer-ready breeziness belying the acid quips Greenspan is directing at a former flame. “Get lost inside a story of better men than me,” he sings, “squinting in the mirror ‘cause it’s better not to see.” You can then feel the Boys loosening up on the album’s curveball moment, Kick The Can, which could be pitched at hazy techno dancefloors.

It’s All True could never be accused of going out with a whimper. Closing track Banana Ripple stretches to nine minutes, with all the duo’s touchstones on glorious display. It’s exuberant, catchy and impossible to begrudge. To be ambitious and familiar is no easy feat, but it’s something Junior Boys have got down to a fine art.

It’s All True is out now on Domino Records through EMI.