Empire of the Sun blends sounds like no other group

Empire of the Sun weaves its magical theatrics with an eye toward Cirque du Soleil. (COURTESY)

Empire of the Sun’s theatrical glam-tronica seems to share the same DayGlo DNA as Cirque du Soleil, both posited on the fantastical and delirious, euphoric escapism.

And so it was fitting when one-half of the Australian duo, musician-producer Nick Littlemore, was recruited as composer and musical director of Cirque’s “Zarkana,” which is playing at Aria.

“Zarkana” was conceived as Cirque’s dark stab at a rock opera, and Empire of the Sun could be envisioned along those lines, although with less malevolent undertones and more eyeliner.

On their latest disc, “Ice on the Dune,” they mingle creamy synth lines, breathless vocals and throbbing beats into a kitchen sink of kitsch overflowing with yacht rock, disco and EDM flourishes.

It’s totally ridiculous in all the right ways — a Cirque tagline if ever there was one.

Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476. Follow on Twitter @JasonBracelin.