London duo Maribou State capture that seductive, classy vibe that inhabited the Boulevard and Tourist LPs by St Germain, a French downtempo electronic artist who achieved popularity in the '90s and '00s for his sophisticated blend of house, soul, jazz, blues, and funk. On their 2015 album, Portraits, Maribou State use fx'd, soulful James Blake-ian vocals (with cameos by pleasant guest singer Holly Walker) over tracks that brood yet exult, seamlessly combining electronic and organic elements. It's a deft trick that few pull off well, but Maribou State nail that paradox with flair. by Dave Segal