BBC Review
Never has something so tinny sounded so good.
Talia Kraines 2009-06-22
Tipped in many polls at the start of 2009 as a contender for success, La Roux were possibly always thought of as the wild card in the bunch with many pitting the duo against the shinier Little Boots. Elly Jackson's magnificent quiff of red hair, and high pitched, cutting tones certainly aren't for everyone, but the retro styling of her and producer Ben Langmaid's music has quickly burrowed its way into the hearts of the nation.
While the magnetic Quicksand was first to tantalise our earbuds on limited release last year, it was instead the almost unpleasant-to-listen-to In For The Kill that swept these competitors out of the water, positioned her as the year's most exciting new talent and landed her a massive chart hit. That shrill vocal might mean the self titled debut album is not something you're likely to listen to all in one go in a high pressure situation, but it's one jam-packed with killer pop song after killer pop song.
The frantic Tigerlily is a good indication of what's ahead, as a strange synth harpsichord eventually gives way to a starring role from Elly's father in a Vincent Price-aping spooky spoken word interlude. With the whole album centered around the break up of a twisted love affair, Bulletproof, with its candy floss chorus, might initially sound happier, but as Elly snarls that she's, ''been there, done that, messed around'' proves anything but. That newly resolute persona continues strong with the minimal I'm Not Your Toy and the early 90s decor of Colourless Colour. While the pair might be denying a heavy 80s influence in interviews, their music is filied with allusions to the likes of Yazoo, Aneka and The Human League particularly on the euphoric chorus of monster tune Fascination and the delightfully bleak Reflections Are Protections.
Establishing themselves as one of our most exciting new pop acts, La Roux have mastered their debut. Never has something so tinny sounded so good.
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There have been a lot of very positive reviews of this album recently, but I'm at a loss as to why. I admit I've only heard the singles, but In For The Kill surely reveals that she can't sing for toffee. It's agony to listen to.
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Album beats/mixes/aspirations are excellent. the vocals seem like hard work to get used to, and do eventually click into place. Quite ingenious. The 1st time listener will not get it. Do give the whole album a good wallop on high volume - remove a few notches of hi-end on your equaliser - the repetitive hi-hat/snare combo and ellys voice need a little 'reduction' on most tracks. I've heard 80's bands mentioned in other reviews - All I will say is, erasure, and no doubt about it. This might as well be erasure's secret new project. Listen to this album, then have a go at the abba-esque EP. Same same same. (Armour love - slow rocky, but sigue-sigue inspired is my fave track.)~~
John
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"can't sing" - shuggy x, "almost unpleasant-to-listen-to" - T.Kraines.....I admit the first time I heard Laroux earlier this year with IFTK I had to stop and listen a bit harder, but by the end of the track thought it was a good single. Every listen after that it just got better, as did her voice! That single is single of the year so far by a mile, and her voice is awesome! A sound of the present, a voice of truth!! Amazing vocals!
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just to add....ok single IFTK may not be best "by mile" due to excellent singles this year from many artists, such as Florence ATM, Jack Penate, Little boots, but I think Laroux def does it for me... or JP??? I don't know, now I'm confused!! Still, with music like this, at least i'm happy!! :))
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As I walked down the street the other day I notice a man quickly whip off his headphones and glare at them in disgust.It seemed the music caused his ears harm.Perhaps he unwittingly put the volume on full?.
Or perhaps some high pitched interference caused his distress?.
Or perhaps he was just listening to La roux?.
If you unfortunate enough to listen to this album,you may believe your being tourtured into giving up valuable infomation.
I was attracted to La Roux thinking it would be a rich 80's inspired pop act.This is partly true,but sadly they
seemed to have forgot to add any substance or any real effort their sound.The sound is there,its just a shame that its not very good.
Jackson wails through most songs like someone has forced her to record them whilst balancing on a wire atop two skyscrapers.Bland fogettable songs filled with
Bleeps and bloops sounding like a keyboard demo running low on batteries,or sticky fingerd child stabbing the keys wildy during a suger rush.
Some songs were so bland I began to slip into a hazey daydream.
I pictured Jackson on her tightrope,wavy red hair blowing in her face as she struggled to maintain balance.Twisting and flayling limbs with sheets of lyrics blowing all over the place.The child was there too.Smashing away on the keys with gusto.
This was probably the highlight of the album.
Its not all bad i guess
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