Haha Sound, the sophomore album from the UK's Broadcast, saw the trio adding more warmth and texture while expanding their sound. They maintained the ethereal, dreamlike qualities of their debut, The Noise Made by People, but the edges were rougher and the vibe was much more intimate. Trish Keenan's vocals became much more expressive and emotive, although they still retained their ghostlike character. The album is filled with immaculate pop songs and more experimental detours that are made whole by Broadcast's intentional imperfections. Standouts include, "Colour Me In," "Before We Begin," "Lunch Hour Pops," and "Valerie," which was loosely based on the theme from Valerie and Her Week of Wonders, a Czech film from 1970. There are noisier moments, as well, with "Distortion" and "Black Umbrellas" providing percussive breaks from the phantom filled dreampop.

• official reissue of Broadcast's sophomore album
• originally released in 2003
• includes digital download 
• music label: Warp Records 2015

reviewed by Hank Ohs 03/2015