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Dec 13, 2016 DIANA By Laura Stanley

Familiar Touch, the sophomore album from Toronto band DIANA, sounds familiar. Its shadowy ‘80s inspired synth-pop style, which wavers between energetic and sullen, is in-line with the throwback sound that has submerged contemporary pop music. The thick slap bass notes of “Moment of Silence,” the danceable groove of “Slipping Away,” and the sparkling keys of “Miharu” are poised to be blasted through the speakers of a DeLorean or to become part of the soundtrack to your own San Junipero adventure.

It’s what’s underneath these retro stylings that really makes Familiar Touch stand out. From her struggles with the truth in “These Words” to the emotional pleas of “The Coward,” DIANA lead singer Carmen Elle’s graphic expressions of anxiety and heartbreak are enthralling. In “Helpless” she summarizes the psychological distress of having a crush, admitting defeat (“I’ll wait until you break my heart”) before a relationship begins, while in “What You Get,” Elle, filled with self-pity, adopts the mantra, “that’s what you get for being in love.”

Elle prefaces Familiar Touch, in the standout opener “Confession,” by admitting, “I’m not sorry.” Although Elle’s self-confidence isn’t as obvious in the rest of her lyrics, in all, the self-assuredness of this opening statement matches DIANA’s attitude on Familiar Touch. (www.dianatheband.com)

Author rating: 7/10