Album Review: DNCE by DNCE

For all the things that former Jonas Brother and Disney kid Joe Jonas could have done after the breakup of his teen-centric sibling band in 2013, forming a flamboyant dance-rock and disco-ready band like DNCE was clearly one of the more unexpected, inspired, and welcome choices. Rather than just another vehicle for Jonas to package his crisp, soulful vocals and good looks (though, make no mistake, showcasing Jonas is the main directive here), DNCE feels like an organic ensemble of like-minded weirdos. Part of Jonas' pop coup d'etat was picking the right bandmates for DNCE, conscripting onetime Jonas Brothers touring musicians like the captivatingly talented South Korean guitarist JinJoo Lee (Jordin Sparks, Charli XCX, Cee Lo Green) and rock-and-funk-ready drummer Jack Lawless (Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus), as well as swashbucklingly rococo former Semi Precious Weapons bassist/keyboardist Cole Whittle.

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After the giddy irreverence of "Cake by the Ocean," DNCE is ready to prove they're more than a one-hit wonder or even a vanity project from former boy band leader Joe Jonas. And if something works, there's no shame or harm in indulging in it further, so for pop's funky weirdos, their self-titled debut LP is loaded with all the sexy-silly icing they couldn't fit on their first slice of "Cake. " Alongside cuts from their infectious debut EP Swaay, DNCE packs punches with cheeky lyrics and cheesy come-ons above Chic-esque grooves.

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A weekly roundup of must-hear music from The Times staffers. This week’s picks include the latest from young R&B singer Tinashe, as well as dance artist-to-watch Avalon Emerson and the most recent bid by a Jonas brother to enter adulthood. Tinashe, “Nightride” (RCA). This is a modal window..

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