Even if you didn’t like Bibio’s previous work, which had all the gestures and rituals of a DJ trying to build a human being out of the sounds in his head, you might want to give his new release, A Mineral Love (Warp Records), a chance. It’s clearly a turning point in Bibio’s catalog, an effort to expand his technique and transform his sound into something that more closely resembles pop music. There are still plenty of loops, pads, and borrowed breaks, but there are also choruses, riffs, and a loosely spontaneous feeling throughout. Strangely, though, he manages to capture neither the curious rhythms of his previous work, nor the compelling hooks that would make for radio-friendly singles.

Like many of his contemporaries, Bibio is firmly indebted to a collection of artists who left the spotlight just as he left adolescence. “Adult contemporary” is the dreaded term that most readily comes to mind when taking in songs like the title track, “Why So Serious?” and “Town & Country.” That’s harsh language, but what else is there to say about a record that feels like Michael McDonald minus the funk? Emotions are kept to a consistently modest level, the drums are turned way down in the mix, and Gotye’s guest spot is more than a little reminiscent of Air Supply. Wax Stag gives a little help to “Gasoline & Mirrors;” with its hand claps and wah-wah synth solo, it would feel at home on an Andy Gibb solo album if only it had a little more soul. And if none of that piques your interest, fear not, he’s got a few chillwave tracks as well! It all adds up to a pretty repellent album. If this is what the kids are listening to these days, something’s gone terribly wrong.