Ask That God

“Ask That God,” the highly anticipated fourth studio album by Australian electronic music duo Empire of the Sun, marks their triumphant return after an eight-year hiatus. Released on July 26, 2024, through EMI Music Australia and Capitol Records, the album follows their 2016 release, Two Vines. Over the years, Empire of the Sun, comprising Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore, has established a reputation for blending innovative electronic music with mesmerizing visual artistry. With Ask That God, the duo continues to push the boundaries of their craft, delivering a project that captures their signature sound while exploring new thematic and sonic territories.

The album’s creation was an ambitious endeavor, with Littlemore revealing that the duo wrote nearly 1,200 songs during the album’s development to arrive at the final 12 tracks. This dedication is reflected in the album’s rich, layered compositions, which demonstrate the duo’s meticulous approach to music production. Ask That God is infused with a sense of spiritual exploration and introspection, a theme that resonates throughout the album’s lyrics and sonic landscape. Littlemore has described the album as a “greatest shift in consciousness our world has ever seen,” a sentiment echoed in the music’s blend of ethereal melodies and pulsating electronic beats.

The album opens with the lead single, “Changes,” released on April 4, 2024. This track sets the tone for the album, with its introspective lyrics and dynamic production. “Changes” captures the essence of transformation, both personal and collective, and serves as a fitting introduction to the album’s overarching themes. Following this, “Music on the Radio,” the second single, released on May 17, 2024, explores the emotional complexities of adolescence. Steele likened the track to “a teenager rebelling against his imaginary emotions,” and the song’s infectious melody and driving beat reflect the turbulence of youthful emotions.

“Cherry Blossom,” the third single released on June 21, 2024, continues the album’s exploration of change and renewal. The track’s title references the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms, symbolizing the transient nature of life and the inevitability of change. The album’s final single, “The Feeling You Get,” released on the album’s launch day, July 26, 2024, ties together the album’s themes with its hauntingly beautiful soundscape and introspective lyrics.

The album also features a collaboration with Littlemore’s other project, Pnau, on the track “AEIOU,” which was initially released in 2023. This collaboration highlights the duo’s ability to blend their distinct sound with other musical influences, creating a track that stands out while still fitting seamlessly into the album’s narrative.

Throughout Ask That God, Empire of the Sun showcases their mastery of electronic music, blending elements of synth-pop, dream-pop, and glam rock to create a sound that is uniquely their own. The album’s production, handled by the duo alongside long-time collaborator Peter Mayes, is polished and expansive, offering listeners a sonic journey that is both immersive and thought-provoking.

To promote the album, Empire of the Sun announced a four-date Australian tour in October and November 2024, giving fans the opportunity to experience their new music live. Known for their extravagant live performances, complete with elaborate costumes and stage designs, these shows are anticipated to be a visual and auditory spectacle, bringing Ask That God to life in a way only the Empire of the Sun can.

In Ask That God, Empire of the Sun not only reaffirms their place in the electronic music world but also invites listeners to embark on a journey of spiritual and emotional discovery, making it a landmark release in their discography.