Neil Frances - Took A While / Stay Strong Play Long [2LP Blue & Pink]

Neil Frances bring two early EPs together on Took A While / Stay Strong Play Long, a double album pressed on blue and pink vinyl.

The Los Angeles duo built their name on dancefloor-friendly indie pop that borrows from disco, French house and soft rock, all wrapped in a sun-bleached, slightly hazy glow. Putting these two EPs side by side shows how clearly that sound was already in place, and it makes for a neat summary of what first made people take notice.

"Dumb Love" and the title cut "Took A While" show off the duo's knack for easygoing grooves and hooks that sneak up on you, while "Teardrops" and "Mr Blue" keep the shimmer going on the second disc. The songs are short, warm and built for repeat plays.

There is a playful, handmade quality to the production, with springy basslines, glistening synths and vocals that float rather than push. Nothing here tries too hard, which is a big part of the charm. It's music that rewards a good stereo and a little volume, with plenty happening beneath the easy surface.

Pressed across one blue disc and one pink, it's a bright, feel-good set that suits lazy weekend mornings just as well as late nights with friends.