They were one of the most highly anticipated acts of 2009. Yes they, as few know that La Roux is actually British synth duo Elly Jackson and Ben... oh who cares, Elly is the interesting. Having already clocked a number one single, 'Bullerproof' and another Top 3 hit with breakthrough single, 'In For The Kill' the pair have made quite a name for themselves. Now at the release of their debut LP, t's time to see if they're going to live up the the hype.
The album opens with the smash hit, 'In For The Kill', a zesty, shrill tune with more synths than a Pet Shops Boys record. It has that punch that a lead single needs and most definitely sets the apart from the clatter of new female fronted, electro pop acts that have surfaced this year (yes Little Boots, that means you!). Next up is quirky stalker inspired ditty Tigerlily which features a 'Thriller'-like narration. Which carries us nicely to the La Roux buzz single, 'Quicksand'. It's a nice taste of the album, nothing standout though.
Finally we arrive at the single that managed to keep Michael Jackson from #1, 'Bulletproof'. It's marmite really, you'll either love it or laud it as being a gimmicky ditty. Personally, I love it. With a feel good chorus and a chant like chorus, it's hard not to sing along. We are the brought to the first standout album track, a chilled, edgy track with an oxymoron for a title - 'Colorless Color'. It's cutting lyrics and synthetic beats are melting and irresistable.
Then we arrive at another standout track, the independent anthem, 'I'm Not Your Toy'. relaxed and cool as she wisps; ' its all false love and affection, you don't like me you just want the attention' it leaves you gasping for more. It's no wodner it;s to be the fourth single from the album. Next up is Cover My Eyes, perhaps the most vulnerable we hear her on the entire album. She sings of how it tortures her seeing her ex and his replacement beau. She portrays a torn lover so well, you can't help but sympathizing with her.
Eventually we come for the first track that could pass for a filler, though even that is doing, 'As If By Magic' and injustice. Regardless, it is a tad samey and ultimately forgettable. Then is Fascination, which is said to be the first song the pair ever wrote. It's quite easy to believe that once you hear it, as it sounds like it could be from a totally different album and Elly's voice has a warbly, Florence Welsh type sound to it that she seems to have controlled on the rest of the album.
Then is Reflections Are Protections, a very satisfying track with a soft beat and tranquil sounding chorus. Then is Armour Love which is nothing special but a perfectly fine album ender. To conclude, it's a very, very solid effort from La Roux, with only one bum track. And it has managed to set them apart from their contemporaries, a deed that seemed almost impossible. Elly Jackson recently noted how she would have preferred her fame and success to come slower than it has. Well, Elly, next time think twice before you release one of the standout albums of the year so far...
STAR RATING: 5 OUT OF 5 STARS
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