Although not yet commercially successful, Vancouver based band Fan Death have ruled the underground pop scene since their inception in 2007. Never heard of them? You’ll just have to trust me – if a star can bowl you over, Fan Death will tear you apart.

Fronted by Dandilion Wind Opaine and Marta Jaciubek-McKeever, Opaine and producer Szam Findlay also collaborate together under the moniker of Dandi Wind. While there are familiar and predictable aspects of their music presented on this album, in tone the dirty and controversial characteristics of Dandi Wind have been traded in for Womb of Dreams‘ all-out fun. Still, far from being yet another ‘getting-ready’ record, Fan Death’s debut offers a galactic look at current chart music.

The album is everything you could ask of a pop classic, and more – it’s a wonderful ode to the dancefloor, strings and Italo Disco. Elements of their peers can be found throughout: ‘Choose Tonight’ sounds like Bat For Lashes’ Natasha Khan, lost behind the decks, and ‘When the Money’s Right’ has the scuzzy attitude of Late of the Pier. Not all of their influences are current: ‘The Constellations’ makes a nearly oriental introduction; ‘Side by Side’ has a touch of Ace of Base; the instrumentation on ‘Phantom Sensation’ resembles a backward 1980′s action theme; and the strings on single ‘Veronica’s Veil’ have a classical composition, skilfully set to disco that pays homage to the Golden Era and Eurovision. If there’s ever a decent reason to stand upon a table and dance like John Travolta on speed, Fan Death are it.

With such a variety, you’d have though it hard to select a highlight, but ‘Choose Tonight’ blazes through to claim the title – subtle synths and extra-terrestrial vocals coat a drum machine with luscious sound; it’s so effortlessly tangible, it’s nearly edible. ‘The Best Night’ is the weakest of the tracks, if only because of its mundane and unsubstantial chorus.

Fan Death have achieved a rare wonder; their album is without significant fault: star-struck, culturally inspired, fanatical and above all unique, Womb of Dreams defies both genre and expectations.