Bikini: The Upbeat Side Of 'Mourning'

Enlarge Courtesy of the artist

Though its members don't work in the same room, Bikini crafts terrific electro-pop songs like "American Mourning."

Courtesy of the artist

Though its members don't work in the same room, Bikini crafts terrific electro-pop songs like "American Mourning."

There's nothing conventional about Bikini's creative process. Although Olivier Olivier handles vocals and lyrics while Nigel Diamond handles arrangements and production, the Brooklyn-based duo redefines collaboration. Olivier sends his vocals to Diamond without titles or form, and Diamond takes it from there, crafting the beat-driven instrumentals and vocal effects that define Bikini's infectious electro-pop. The finished records aren't sent back to Olivier; instead, Diamond sends them for mastering and, ultimately, release.

The pair's latest effort is the RIP JDS EP, a nod to the late iconic author J.D. Salinger which continues to showcase Bikini's flair for moody, dance-inspired electronica. In the standout track "American Mourning," Olivier's muffled vocals are wordy yet indiscernible under layers of effects. Diamond's bouncy beat pairs nicely with the hazy melodies to form a result so cohesive, it's hard to believe the elements were crafted independently of one another. The dreamy track culminates with the falsetto repetition of the song's title — a masterful juxtaposition of sorrowful lyrics with upbeat rhythms. Although Bikini's unusual collaborative style leads to terrific electro-pop, it's also a likely contributor to the fact that the duo hasn't yet released a full-length album.