Empire of the Sun, the Australian electronic duo of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore, is known for their fusion of synth-pop and cinematic storytelling. They’ve created a unique aesthetic through their music and live performances, building a fantastical universe inhabited by their personas, Emperor Steele and Lord Littlemore. After an eight-year hiatus following Two Vines, the duo makes a bold return with their fourth album Ask That God, which carries forward their signature ethereal style with a fresh, modern twist.

Ask That God is a long-awaited continuation of Empire of the Sun’s cosmic journey, blending nostalgia with new experimental elements. Released in July 2024, the album is filled with dreamy synth landscapes and a pulsating, rhythm-heavy production. Thematically, Ask That God delves into a spiritual and existential exploration. Described by the band as their most significant shift in consciousness, the album reflects their sonic pilgrimage and their reflections on life and humanity.

The album kicks off with “Changes,” a nostalgic synth-pop anthem that encapsulates the duo’s classic 80s-inspired sound. Tracks like "Cherry Blossom" and “Music on the Radio” follow with Steele’s haunting falsetto leading the charge, blending past and present influences. "AEIOU," a standout collaboration with Pnau, captures a high-energy, dancefloor-ready vibe, while the second half of the album takes a more introspective turn with slower, softer tracks like “Wild World” and “Rhapsodize.”

Throughout the album, Steele and Littlemore explore the balance between euphoria and introspection, crafting a sound that invites listeners into an immersive, otherworldly experience. The closing track, “Friends I Know,” serves as a gentle farewell, with soft acoustic elements adding a reflective note to the album’s conclusion.

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You can stream Ask That God on Spotify & Apple Music