The Challenge

...in which our hero attempts to review La Roux's album without drawing a single comparison between the band's vocalist Elly and any other up-and-coming female singers.

Here goes.

La Roux's recent synth-laden single 'In For The Kill' caused something of a fuss when, despite little support from radio, it conquered the UK charts, shifting half a million copies along the way. With follow-up 'Bulletproof' currently sitting pretty atop the UK charts and top ten here in Ireland, La Roux appear to be delivering on the promise that led them being ear-marked as 'one to watch' in a spate of 'Sound of 2009' previews last December/January.

Although La Roux are in fact a duo, producer Ben Langmaid has chosen to stay out of the limelight and allowed singer Elly Jackson be the 'face' of the band. Jackson's androgynous appearance and unusual voice have divided opinion and her bolshy conduct in interviews has ruffled more than a few carefully-preened feathers.

Her disparaging comments regarding the state of mainstream pop music have seemingly caused particular offence. Having claimed that there is a lack of originality in modern music, there is a certain pressure now for her and Ben to prove they are more than just the product of some faddish 80's festishism with their self-titled debut LP.

Thankfully, the cynics can put their knives away because Ben and Elly have delivered a near-flawless collection of electropop ditties that should see them set up residency alongside the "music for kids, novelty tracks and one-hit-wonders" that Elly claims have a monopoly on the charts.

I suspected that perhaps the band's tinny electronica and Elly's shrill falsetto might wear thin over the course of a whole album but there is enough diversity of style and tempo here to keep things interesting and Elly showcases some unexpectedly versatile vocal abilities.

The album documents the course of a relationship, from itz brazen beginnings ('In For The Kill', 'Quicksand') through to its acrimonious ending ('Fascination', 'Armour Love') and all that comes in between. Allegedly, the songs are based on a five-year relationship that Elly was involved in and rumours abound that she frequently broke down in tears after recording sessions.

Thankfully, however, the album steers clear of mawkish sentimentality, with the exception perhaps of token big ballad 'Cover My Eyes', which sees Elly's fragile voice offset against a gospel choir.

If I was to make one criticism about this record it woulbe be the unnecessary re-working of upcoming single 'I'm Not Your Toy'. A demo of the track surfaced a few months ago and it sounded fantastic but, for whatever reason, the track has been tinkered with and now resembles a midi ring-tone in parts.

However, 'La Roux' is, simply put, a brilliant pop album from beginning to end and one I suspect will nestle itself alongside 'Two Suns', 'Ten Makes A Face' and 'Junior' as one of my favourites of 2009.




[Image: Last Fm]