The eponymous singer/manager duo La Roux (Elly Jackson and Ben Langmaid) seem to have undergone a reversal of Ashes to Ashes' synopsis; jumping into the Noughties with Eighties ideas and inspirations. It isn't as if our era hasn't seen synth before, but this is the first album that has captured the 80s' unshakeable spirit.
Ms. Jackson's voice is astounding in range and its uniqueness means that it is easily recognised. The songs capture the era perfectly, while also bringing flair to the modern era ("Early Nineties decor, nothing to stay for"). The songs are catchy, in a good way, and stick in the head not for some absurd hook but for their mix of intriguing and emotional lyricism and sound.
The firstsong on the album, "In for the kill" is a bit shrill on the first few listenings, but the rest of the album is consistently good. From "Tigerlily" onwards, one finds that that is the quality one should come to expect from the duo. Most if not all of the songs are about relationships, with all sorts of metaphorical euphoria and suffering that provide enough variation.
Technoballads like "Cover My Eyes" and "Fascination" are perhaps the most effective, the best use of the inter-twined nature of ballad and intense techno prowess.
Thanks.
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