Familiar retro influences, like Pet Shop Boys, Blondie, and Pulp are recalled but not imitated, resulting in an original and relevant sophomore album. With their signature down-to-earth narratives forming intelligent and sharp observations about romance and life, one might get an impression of a group with their feet firmly on the ground. These lyrics, however, are set to a rich, synthy, electronic sound that suggest the moment New Order's eardrums first vibrated to house and disco in NYC, 1981.

'The Long Blondes' Kate Jackson sings like she has amazing taste in lipstick, delivering smart, sex-as-a-weapon lyrics with a swaggering smirk that conveys both glam-charged confidence and femme-specific vulnerability' - Spin.