‘Love Hate Music Box’ is Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s fourth studio album. Image Via RKS Recording/Elektra Entertainment.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s newest album, Love Hate Music Box, is an exploration of love that makes for a mellow listen. 

The band has constantly made music that is unique, but not overwhelming. The vocals remain light over rhythmic instrumentals that produce a comforting acoustic sound. That sound is expanded on in Love Hate Music Box.

The opening song, “Peter Pan,” uses more electronic sounds than is typical for the band, but it does not take away from the music. It is used to create a feeling of whimsy, playing on the idea of “lost boys” through the song. 

“LOL” is the next track on the album that stands out. The lyrics drive home the title of the album in its discussion of a love turned sour. There is love and hate caught up in the realities of life. 

“Code Blue” is in reference to the code for cardiac arrest. The song discusses the growing sadness and heartache in a person and the danger in pushing people away. 

The first single the band released off the album, “Superstar,” still shines among the rest of the songs on the full album. It provides a fun song about wanting to be the best, but emphasizes how that is for someone else. 

The song interacts well with the complexity of the topic and emphasizes in its sound that it is not exactly the most healthy relationship dynamic. 

Throughout the album, the use of piano backings stands out. It complements the synths and grounds them in a recognizable physical instrument. It allows the ambient feeling that is characteristic of their music to excel. 

Rainbow Kitten Surprise is far from a household name, but those looking for synth beats that break the mold of pop music should check out Love Hate Music Box.